The role of multi-disciplinary B2(B2B) networks in the "Future Enterprise"

The "ERA Coordination Initiative in the field of Networked Enterprise" is a study, launched by DG INFSO, D4: Networked Enterprise & RFID Unit. One of the major inputs of the study is the interest towards an ERA-NET that would focus on "the Future Enterprise", a cross-thematic, cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral research area of horizontal nature. In this paper the authors consider the challenges and the role of multi-disciplinary B2(B2B) networks in this research area. Some relations to the Advanced ICT for the Product Lifecycle" (AITPL) - a broader research area - are presented.