Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to present a new view on the problem of capacity planning in a distributed network of enterprises, i.e. in a Virtual Enterprise (VE). This view is based on a distributed planning architecture, that takes into account the requirements and characteristics of local capacity models. In order to cope with the new emerging problems that the VE are encountering, we have been designing and investigating two generic architectures of Decision Support Systems (DSS) for VE planning with capacity checking, applicable to different scenarios of distributed networks of enterprises. The first architecture is hierarchical and is based on the existence of a global decision-maker. The second one is fully distributed and is based in a multi-agent co-operative environment. This work is part of a broader project with a particular focus on the semiconductor industry.

Abstract
This paper describes a preliminary experience in trying to improve the communication and to reach language agreements in the context of a large R&D trans-national project, comprising partners with different academic and industrial cultures. This kind of projects has difficulties in that, besides cultural and language problems, the project teams undertake work largely by themselves, with reduced interaction with each other. The use of ontologies has a great potential in reducing those problems. Within this research work our goal is to extend the communication role of an ontology towards the mediation of the development actors ''world views''. In doing so, we intend to improve the engineering of an intrinsically complex software system, particularly in the requirements identification, system specification and system design phases, overcoming some of the referred difficulties. It is presented an extract of the Virtual Enterprise ontology currently under construction, focusing in some core definitions relevant for the purpose of developing a distributed planning and control software system. An example concerning the development of such a system is described in older to demonstrate the usefulness of the ontology based systems development.

Abstract
There is currently an increasing interest in exploring the opportunities for competitive advantage that can be gained by reinforcing core competencies and innovative capabilities through networks of industrial and business partners. This paper firstly identifies some of the gaps that exist within current information systems that claim to support eBusiness and eWork in networked enterprises and describes some of the general requirements of distributed and decentralised information systems for companies operating in networks. It goes on to cover some principles for the design of a distributed IS providing an advanced infrastructure to support general co-operation, particular methodologies for co-operative and collaborative planning and guidelines for network set-up and support. The present work is one of the areas currently being delivered as part of the Europe-an IST consortium called Co-OPERATE. A distributed and decentralised information system, based on an architecture of agents and extensively using the internet, is being designed and implemented as a means to provide new and more powerful decision support tools for networked enterprises.

Abstract
This paper describes an <> system to support decision making in the planning processes of Virtual Enterprises, viewed as networks of different units, namely plants, logistic centres and storage facilities. The system aims at improving customer due date calculation, and is intended to be a multi-site planning tool to co-ordinate local activities across the Virtual Enterprise network. It is based on the use of aggregate information and on a set of local rough capacity models. This work is part of a broader project with a particular focus on the microelectronics industry. Companies of this industry are a good example of Virtual Enterprises, where a quick response to the customers needs and to unpredictable changes in production conditions is considered a major factor for success.

Abstract

Abstract
In the last few years, the industrial, scientific, and technological fields have been subject to a revolutionary process of digitalization and automation called Industry 4.0. Its implementation has been successful mainly in the economic field of sustainability, while the environmental field has been gaining more attention from researchers recently. However, the social scope of Industry 4.0 is still somewhat neglected by researchers and organizations. This research aimed to study Industry 4.0 and sustainability themes using data science, by incorporating open data and open-source tools to achieve sustainable Industry 4.0. To that end, a quantitative analysis based on open data was developed using open-source software in order to study Industry 4.0 and sustainability trends. The main results show that manufacturing is a relevant value-added activity in the worldwide economy; that, foreseeing the importance of Industry 4.0, countries in America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania are incorporating technological principles of Industry 4.0 in their cities, creating so-called smart cities; and that the industries that invest most in technology are computers and electronics, pharmaceuticals, transport equipment, and IT (information technology) services. Furthermore, the G7 countries have a prevalent positive trend for the migration of technological and social skills toward sustainability, as it relates to the social pillar, and to Industry 4.0. Finally, on the global scale, a positive correlation between data openness and happiness was found.