In July 2010 three EU Commissioners - Vice President Tajani, Commissioner for Digital Agenda Nelly Kroes, and Commissioner for Research & Innovation Maíre Geoghegan-Quinn – called together a group of high level representatives of key member states and several industry sectors in order to assess the competitive situation of advanced materials, biotechnology, micro- and nano-electronics, nanotechnology, advanced manufacturing systems and photonics, and to recommend appropriate policy measures for a more effective deployment of these technologies in Europe. In the framework of the ongoing work of the High-Level Expert Group for Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) an Open Day will take place on Advanced Manufacturing Systems . The aim of this event is to consult a broad stakeholder audience on the needs and challenges of the sector, contributing to the development of appropriate policy measures to promote the industrial deployment of KETs and the development of a new ‘EU industrial policy’. The five KETs identified in the European Commission Communication will be the main driver behind the development of a significant part of goods and services in 2020. Advanced Manufacturing Systems (AMS), as the sixth and cross-cutting KET, will enable cross-sectorial efficient, sustainable and environmentally-friendly production of products that rely on other KETs. AMS provide an effective response to the societal challenges of the 21st century.