Himanen’s paper, “challenges of the global information society”, is a review of the technological challenges the future information society will have to face. The paper also reviews current, to that time, global trends, for example population ageing and the rise of bio-industries. In addition multiple economical standpoints and models are talked about. Finally a list of values the future "Finnish model" was discussed.
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Visionariness and creativity
At the top of concepts for social development, Himanen highlights that having a vision and the ability to dream and fantasize is key in order to promote more creative work than physical labor. He covered the fact that since technology is advancing so fast the most popular type of work is working on advancing even more. However physical work is reaching the point where its too much.
Economic models
Himanen talked about the best development models in the world, such as the Silicon Valley model, which refers to the neoliberalist scenario of “leaving the weak behind”.
Although this scenario is technologically and
economically dynamic, it comes with a high social price. In addition the Singapore model is based on tax competition, i.e. “a race to the bottom”, which is also a dynamic model. It allows other countries to reduce their tax rates more in order to attract
multinational companies, production keeps moving to cheaper and cheaper countries. In the
case of Singapore, companies have moved, for
example, to China and India.
Values model
Himanen describes 10 values which the "Finish model" would have to reach in order to achieve the combination of welfare state and information society. It is key to realize that the human species requires more than just existence to survive. The content of the values can be briefly described as follows:
1. Caring - The principle of equality, fairness and the inclusion of all
2. Confidence - Provides safety and makes fruitful communality possible
3. Communality - Being part of a larger community that shares your interests
4. Encouragement - An enriching community whose members do not feel alone
5. Freedom – Right of Individuality and expression
6. Creativity – The realization of your potential
7. Courage – Required in order to realize the other values
8. Visionariness – Insightfulness, the courage to dream and make the world better
9. Balance – Balance between the other values, moderation
10. Meaningfulness – Find meaning in your life and make it worth living
Conclusion
In conclusion, Himanen talked about innovation using creativity instead of physical work, which would greatly change the structure of society and promote better working conditions. In addition he went over different economic models and their effects on society.
Reference
- https://web.archive.org/web/20170221105053/https://www.eduskunta.fi/FI/tietoaeduskunnasta/julkaisut/Documents/tuvje_1+2004.pdf
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