Demographic changes in the '90s in Western Europe: Opportunities and risks for industry

There will be considerable changes in the demographic structure of Western Europe as early as the '90s. Nearly all countries will be affected in a similar way but the major impact will fall on West Germany, The Netherlands and Switzerland. These changes will exert considerable influence on the market for consumer goods. As illustrated by the automobile market, it can be seen that manufacturers must now start with their preparations to cater for the special buying habits of the growing senior market but that there are significant differences in their basic positions. The labour market will also react violently to these demographic changes. Branches of industry which in the main employ young people with low wage levels will have to consider a new approach. New ideas and methods must be applied to ensure that the participation of the older section of the population in working life is organised in a socially compatible way. The changes in demographic structure will in their entirety bring about such far-reaching changes that they will become a central topic of public discussion and therefore also gain considerable political significance.