Knowledge Capitalism

Stehr expands on his classic book Knowledge Societies to create knowledge capitalism in a much-changed era, driven by the Covid-19 pandemic and the legal encoding of knowledge through national and international law. The Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights agreement is the backbone of this society, and digital giants have significant effects on social structure and culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In his latest book, Stehr expands upon his renowned work Knowledge Societies (1994) to adapt the concept for a significantly transformed era. It is not merely due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic that we find ourselves in a new epoch; rather, it is the notion that modern societies are increasingly evolving into comprehensive knowledge societies within the framework of intensive capitalism. This transformation is facilitated by the legal encoding of knowledge through national and international law, acting as a pivotal lever. Through this legal framework, the knowledge society can transition into knowledge capitalism.

The Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights agreement, negotiated between 1986 and 1994 as part of the World Trade Organization, serves as the foundation of modern society. It represents a clear historical demarcation, and while knowledge capitalism primarily revolves around economic development, the digital giants at the forefront exert substantial influence on the social structure and culture of contemporary society.

Stehr's book delves into the intricate interplay between knowledge, capitalism, and society, offering a comprehensive analysis of the evolving landscape. He explores how the legal encoding of knowledge plays a crucial role in shaping the transition and examines the impact of digital giants on society. The book sheds light on the complex dynamics between economic growth, social change, and cultural transformation, providing valuable insights into the future of knowledge-driven societies.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032282916