Anthropocentric production systems are socio-technological innovations

The globalization of the economy demands increased change and results in relocation of manufacturing sites. In order to gain in world competition and to create welfare for regions the leading economies are creating continuous innovations. This paper explains why expanding customized quality products require Anthropocentric Production Systems (APS) in the manufacturing sector and that they are based on social innovations aided by technical ones. It is argued that flexible manufacturing needs a specific factory organization to be complemented by adequate human skills and adapted technologies.