Conclusion

Abstract

This chapter concludes by summing up and outlining the implications of the research, as well as the contributions to theory, policy, and practice. It returns the arguments to the meso and macro levels of the economy within the manufacturing sector. We argue that insights about facilitative management are key ingredients in securing conditions for a robust and competitive manufacturing sector in advanced economies. This way, we present an optimistic view and prospects as to how the advanced economies can sustain their competitiveness in balance with fundamental principles of inclusive and facilitative to learning work environments, a cornerstone in the institutional setting of the Nordic model, but also in balance with the more general qualities of openness and tolerance in modern societies and democracies. From this perspective, it is important that modern industrial policies also embrace “soft” policies about managerial styles in modern manufacturing in addition to investments in manufacturing R&D, measures stimulating open innovation practices and funding of manufacturing test-bed infrastructures.