: Warnecke, H.-J.; Schweizer, M.

Abstract
The Central Association of German Trades and Crafts (ZdH) commissioned a scientific survey on new technologies with a view to discovering more about the significance of new technologies: what potential, what chances and risks do they have for trades and crafts, and can trades and crafts adapt to new technologies in an appropriate manner? The task was tackled jointly by the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology and Automation (IPA), the Heinz-Piest-Institute for Trade and Craft Technology and the Institute for Management in Trades and Crafts. The three research institutes shared the work, with the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology and Automation takin on all technological questions, particularly in the field of production technology. The report summarized a wealth of results and findings, as well as concrete suggestions and proposals in connection with the original task in hand. A certain number of individual results are of immediate practical significance and can thus be realized quickly. Other results and proposals, however, will provide a starting point and a basis for further-reaching considerations, as well as for research work.