This review provides an overview of the recent achievements in catalytic process development for alkyne hydrogenations. It underlines the necessity of simultaneous optimization over different length scales from molecular/nanoscale of active phase, up-to macro-scale of catalytic reactor design. One case study, the hydrogenation of 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol, is analyzed in detail to illustrate the practical application of this approach. Finally, it presents the personal view of the authors concerning the new trends and paths available in the field.