But additive manufacturing is only one of a number of breakthroughs leading to the factory of the future, and conventional production equipment is becoming smarter and more flexible, too.

ECONOMIST: A third industrial revolution | The

The company said it had not set a deadline for when its consultation over the future of the Wisbech factory would end.

BBC: Wisbech poultry factory could cut 300 jobs

Sonae Industria (UK) Ltd has reached the end of a 90-day consultation process on the future of its Knowsley factory.

BBC: Knowsley Sonae chipboard factory closure

There is also uncertainty about the future of the Ribena and Lucozade factory in nearby Coleford while the company behind them - GlaxoSmithKline - reviews the brands.

BBC: Forest of Dean workers fear plans to block Asda

Vion Food UK announced in July that it is consulting on the future of its Hall's of Broxburn factory, putting about 1, 700 jobs at risk.

BBC: Hall's of Broxburn factory may have rescue bids

Losing the Indian deal would be a huge blow for BAE Systems, which has warned that the future of its 3, 000-employee Hawk factory at Brough, East Yorkshire, is under review because of a shortage of orders.

BBC: Indian arms scandal threatens BAE deal

Do we try to turn the clock back and regain those farm and factory jobs, or do we educate and train ourselves for the new higher value-added jobs of the future.

FORBES: Jobs and Public Policy

Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port car factory will build at least 160, 000 Astra vehicles a year in a deal that secures the future of the plant and protects thousands of jobs.

BBC: Cable: UK 'good place' for car industry

Ultimately this bill still aligns to the 10 Elements of High Quality Digital Learning outlined in Digital Learning Now, and as such, represents a bold move away from the monolithic, factory model schools of our past and a big step forward toward a more student-centric future that allows students to have personalized options for their learning based in their distinct needs.

FORBES: Utah Pushes Forward Toward Student-Centric Learning