Noonomy. The future: fourth technological revolution requires profound economic and social changes

Abstract

The author introduces a new concept of noonomy, i.e. the foundation of the future society which can come to pass if we pursue the rational path of civilizational development. The establishment of noonomy as a consequence of accelerated technological development (particularly, the achievements of the fourth technological revolution) requires profound changes in economic and social life, specifically, the adoption of an active industrial policy. A major distinction of the noonomy lies in the absence of interpersonal relations pertaining to material production. An aggregate of current society’s problems and contradictions necessitates the transition to a new stage of social development. With the pivotal role of technosphere development, stagnation of socioeconomic institutions and weak behavioral control determined by the level of cultural development create a very realistic possibility of a global catastrophe. Progress assessment should rely not on GDP growth, but on a set of criteria which will evaluate the satisfaction of reasonable (non-simulative) and environmentally friendly human wants. In spite of going through a difficult time, Russia has a chance of reaching such future. In order to achieve that, we need to perform a breakthrough reliant on preserving and capitalizing on our cultural, educational and research potential.