Science and technology can have a profound impact on economy and development. But developing human capital is critical to economic strength, and it is especially important in addressing job creation in countries with economies that are weak or unstable.
These topics will be addressed at the workshop entitled 'The Impact of Science and Technology on Society and Economy'. The workshop is organized by The World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS) with the collaboration of TWAS, the academy of sciences for the developing world; The Risk Institute; the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Technology (ICGEB); and the Trieste International Foundation for Progress and Freedom of Science (FIT). The Forum will take place on 5 and 6 March at the Adriatico Guest House of the Abdus Salam International Centre of Theoretical Physics (ICTP), in Trieste.
"Humanity is at a crossroad", said conference local organizer Domenico Romeo, former president of Area Science Park (1988-1997) and dean of the University of Trieste (2003-2006). "Present social science theory and public policy are no longer adequate to meet the multi-dimensional challenges posed by rising social aspirations, unemployment and inequality. We need to think out of conventional boundaries to address these and many other problems."
The Trieste Forum is the first step in a series of events planned by the Academy to formulate a comprehensive package of solutions able to mobilize the untapped potentials of human and social capital.
On Tuesday, 5 March, the value of human capital in the frame of the new economy will be the opening theme. Speakers will then discuss the role of the 'network society' in social development. Paradigm shifts in economics and the economic value of nature as legacy for future generations will complete the first-day programme.
Wednesday, 6 March, will be devoted to the employment challenge and strategies in light of the future demographic trends and global development. The central role of education in a rapidly changing world and the importance of sharing knowledge will be the focus for afternoon discussions.
"We hope to conclude the sessions coming up with a new paradigm for human development because we will be able to overcome the global crisis we are facing only with new solutions and concrete ideas", Romeo said. "The time for discussion is over. Now we need to take serious and effective action."
Participants from the following countries will attend the Trieste Forum: France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Greece, Turkey, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Estonia, Canada, the United States, and India. They will come from such institutions as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN Office in Geneva and the UN University in Bonn.