Geert Van Hootegem studied Social Science at the Catholic University of Leuven (K.U.Leuven) from 1980 to 1985 and is doctor in the Social Sciences (1999). In 1989-1995, he was scientific assistant at the Study Centre Sociology of Work and Organisations, Catholic University of Leuven where his research topics included: temporary labour, Japanese organisations in Belgium, car industry, flexibility, new technology and effects on qualifications in the health care. From 1994 to 2000 (till 1996 full-time, from 1996 part-time) he was assistant professor at the Nijmegen Business School (Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen). Since 1996 till 2000 he has been a project manager at the Higher Institute for labour studies, Catholic University of Leuven. From 1999 on, till the end of 2000 he was head of the Work and Organisation sector at the institute. Currently, he is professor at the Department of Sociology. Conducting research on new production concepts, flexibility, lean production, new technology, socio-technical system design, integral organisational renewal and the information society. He has also carried out research on: team based work and socio-technical system design.