Since 1987 it has always been my task as the Chairman of the Programme Planning Committee to report about this colloquium: about the objectives and how we have tried to fulfil these goals. The progress made over the last four years has been documented in over 140 papers, which were discussed during the colloquium. However, there is still a lot to do. I would like to first touch on the history behind it. I will then go on to speak about the future, to define the target groups of the colloquium and finish by developing propositions on five topics: "Concrete, Diagnosis, Preparation of the Substrate, Reaction Polymers, and Levelling of Uneven Surfaces".

In 1975, 24 years ago, I held the first lecture about "Floor Coatings with Reaction Polymers" at the Technical Academy Esslingen. 12 years later, in 1987, we then organised the 1^st Int. Colloquium "Industrial Floors '87". It was attended by more then 400 people. My introductory speech was entitled, "Why a Colloquium on Industrial Floors?". Four years later, in 1991, attendance had increased to over 500. I opened the congress with the topic "How to Achieve the Right Industrial Floor". In 1995 the theme was "Current Problems and Trends", with the focus on quality assurance and Good Site Practice (GSP).

Today, after more than 25 years of my personal experience in this field, I would now like to describe my thoughts on the future of industrial floors.

This is a complex and far-reaching topic, and in this context I can only outline the key points and attempt to tackle this difficult task. I ask you not to be too critical as regards any omissions.

Improvements in working conditions are especially important. We should look beyond our own little patch! Let us at last tear down the fence that surrounds it! Why are we not taking advantage of the progress made in other sectors?

A change in paradigms – in other words a change in cherished habits – is urgently required. This was stressed by Lech Czarnecki at the IX^th ICPIC Congress in Bologna in September 1998. ICPIC stands for "International Congress on Polymers in Concrete". The 10^th congress will be held on Hawaii in May 2001 on the occasion of the 25-year jubilee. Industrial floors from reaction polymers will be a part of this congress. See you in Hawaii next time?