Internationalisation Firms and businesses consolidating on worldwide basis, also move by niche players to fill gaps left by consolidation process. Consumer values refocused - purchase decisions based on environmental considerations, not cost, quality for example. Knowledge economy more pervasive, company values determined more by intellectual capital rather than physical assets, knowledge base strengthened by global linkage between people and organisations. Many aspects of knowledge economy remain confined to richer nations. Large companies are either merging or forming global alliances and 'national' champions in key economic sectors are losing power and relevance.
Internet can expand more opportunities for electronic business and led to emergence of e-commerce .
Many major companies conducting most of their business over the Internet. Internationalisation has contributed to increase of awareness of Scotland, together with world affluence, implications for tourism and luxury good industries. Intellectual capital can be developed here and more rapidly exploited worldwide. Scotland taking advantage of global shifts - can also fall victim to them. Locally manufactured home goods no longer have a protected home market, other countries building own brands in competition.