Development of Social Studies in the Knowledge Society: Social, Economic, Legal and Educational Challenges

Dear Colleagues,

In the XXI century, objective trends and patterns of global social development have been formed in line with the post-industrial paradigm of the knowledge economy, which requires rethinking of traditional methodological approaches, categories and concepts, especially in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. Phenomenally dynamic scientific and technological progress, especially in terms of breakthrough innovations, qualitatively changes the models of business, public administration, social organization, consumption and culture on the basis of intellectualization, digitalization and networking. Such manifestations of globalization leave no doubt about its comprehensive nature and knowledge base.

System modernization of social relations capable of ensuring breakthrough development based on the effective use of knowledge resources has become urgent. This requires appropriate macro- and micro-sociological measures in the field of the development of the science, education, information and communication technology (ICT) sector on the basis of the comprehensive activation of innovations. Particularly tangible and unprecedented dynamic changes occur under the influence of ICT on a digital basis, which is manifested in the formation of qualitatively new phenomena and processes in business, where business models with priority of knowledge management, macroeconomic regulation, social and labor relations, etc., are most competitive. The conceptual basis for building the worldwide knowledge economy requires unbiased scientific substantiation. This is possible when taking into account the elements of supporting the development of the knowledge of the economy: social, economic, legal and educational.

In particular, under these conditions, one of the important tasks of legal science is the creation of a theoretical, legal and regulatory framework for the introduction of information technologies in various areas of social life. The law must regulate public relations that are related to information technology, as well as respond to threats and challenges of the knowledge society.

In sociological and economic studies, the definition of "knowledge society" (KS) is widely used, which largely explains the evolution of the economy in terms of the emergence of a new society with new relationships and social hierarchy.

Within the social aspect, issues related to the person as a subject of the economy are considered: change in the volume and structure of needs, development of abilities, motivation and interests, employment and social security. Transformation of the technological and economic structure of society cannot but affect and change aspects related to human social life. Today, a new maxim is manifested: the ability to retain and create conditions for further development of talented people is the main competitive advantage of any country. The socio-economic return on investing in human capital and building a knowledge society depends on how favorable the conditions will be for the accumulation and practical realization of a person's unique intellectual potential created at all levels of government without exception.

Prof. Dr. Svetlana Drobyazko
Guest Editor

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• social studies
• knowledge society
• economics
• legislation
• sociology
• education