ABSTRACT
One generic scenario for the coming years is largely accepted. Technological progress, information and communication technologies, higher levels of education, managerial know-how, increasing exchange of goods and services, innovation, and organizational change will continue to be the driving forces of economic growth and social development. On the negative side, conflicts, violence, inequalities, poverty, and ecological injuries will continue to plague vast areas of the world. Hopefully, such aspects will gradually be brought under control in the process of modernization.
