Potential and existing skills shortages are the leading concerns among employers in the global manufacturing industry.

This is the finding of a survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which also found that industry leaders view China as the most important nation to economic growth.

According to the report, India is also being seen as a key country in terms of the future of the manufacturing industry, followed by the US, Brazil, Germany, Russia and the UK.

Brain drain was cited by many of the more than 1,200 respondents from 69 states as a worry in the future, with business leaders looking towards emerging markets for future recruitment of talent.

The chief executive poll also discovered other fears included customer demand and global economic uncertainty, while innovation is emerging as a key priority for the coming years.

A series of four opinions relating to the industrial sector has been approved by the EU's European Economic and Social Committee, including proposals to safeguard and create new job opportunities within the region.

Posted by Lee Thrace