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Digitalisation, globalisation, demographic change and
the increasing flexibility of work are trends that are cur-
rently shaping the world of work.
Digitalisation is particularly evident from the compre-
hensive networking that is possible due to the globally-accessible Internet as well as the increasing use of new
information and communications technologies (ICT). In-
novative production systems, manufacturing processes
and service processes are emerging. The term “Industry
4.0” is used when talking about the intelligent network-
ing of people, machines, objects and ICT systems.
The limitless interweaving of economic regions is con-
tinuing to increase thanks to technical advancements
in digitalisation and communication technologies. On
the one hand, globalisation is increasing the amount
of competitive pressure that companies are facing.
This puts pressure on them to improve cost efficiencies
which in turn leads to an increase in restructuring pro-
cesses. On the other hand, this creates an opportunity
for companies to use existing know-how to gain an edge
in new markets.
The structure of Germany’s population is changing. The
proportion of younger people in society is decreasing,
while the number of older people is growing. This demo-
graphic change has led to fewer skilled workers being
Preface
New Forms of Work
6