Towards knowledge societies
By: [director of publication,  Jérôme Bindé; preface by Koïchiro Matsuura].
Contributors: Bindé, Jérôme.; Matsuura, Kōichirō, 1937-; Unesco.
Series: UNESCO world report -- [1]
Publisher: UNESCO Publishing
Published: 2005
Place of publication: Paris, France
Language: eng
Number of pages: 226
Subjects: Knowledge, Sociology of; Information technology -- Developing countries; Sustainable development -- Developing countries; Education, Higher
Description: This book distinguishes between knowledge societies and the information society. While the information society is based on technological breakthroughs, knowledge societies "encompass broader social, ethical and political dimensions." The Report focuses in particular on the foundations on which knowledge societies that will optimize sustainable human development are constructed. The Report analyzes the increasingly important role played by knowledge in economic growth and advances that it can serve as a new springboard for development in the countries of the South. It also presents a detailed analysis of the factors blocking the access of many countries to the opportunities offered by information and communication technologies, especially the growing digital divide and restrictions on freedom of expression. Finally, it makes a series of recommendations to improve the situation.
Notes: The work is the first in a new series of UNESCO reports, to be published every two years, focusing on subjects at the heart of the Organization's mission such as cultural diversity and sustainable development.

Includes bibliographical references.
Table of contents: title: From the information society to knowledge societies; title: Network societies, knowledge and the new technologies; title: Learning societies; title: Towards lifelong education for all?; title: The future of higher education; title: A research revolution?; title: Science, the public and knowledge societies; title: Risks and human security in knowledge societies; title: Local and indigenous knowledge, linguistic diversity and knowledge societies; title: From access to participation: towards knowledge societies for all.