Globalization, the market, the European Community: A new economy, new society, new democracy

The high-tech revolution, which took place during the early eighties produced, in less than 20 years, institutional and structural changes which go beyond any possible prediction. In this context the e-commerce triggered so many radical innovations that we may speak in terms of new economy (at least as far as many different fields are concerned). These innovations have already determined, in turn, an upsetting not only in the labour market, but also in cultural production and in the organization of scientific research in psycho-relational settings and in interpersonal communication. All that has lead to a re-thinking of the legal and institutional background, as well as a confrontation among scholars of different matters, and it might be the most appropriate way to enhance a rather interdisciplinary approach towards these issues, without expecting any definite solutions