This paper introduces and opens the debate on the role of “product-driven control” and, on a broader level, Intelligent Manufacturing and Services Systems in sustainable development and circular economy. First, the concept of IMS and perspectives relating to future industrial and economic systems, as well as their expected advantages and the challenges to be addressed are introduced. Different interpretations of sustainability are then described. Third, our vision concerning the possible impacts of IMS on a sustainable world is presented. A set of challenging prospects and illustrative examples conclude this paper.