“Europeans have a positive view of the value of science and technological advance as a means of addressing future societal challenges, notably in healthcare ( 117). This is just as well, given that the technological revolution is likely to have a profound effect on societies, individuals, and the latter’s working lives and social relationships. It will introduce a radical change in the traditional economic categories and in the meaning of the concepts of work, training and retirement: it is becoming increasingly clear that individuals will alternate between successive phases of work, training, and periods out of the work force throughout their lives.
More fundamentally, the challenge for European society is to adapt and change its structures and rules while maintaining its values. This requires a strong and inclusive social dialogue, openness to risk, and clear public policies at the service of individuals, so as to ensure their acceptance. The citizens of the knowledge economy cannot be satisfied with the same level of information and participation as those of the 1960s. As European Union decisions impact them much more directly, corresponding progress in democratic accountability and legitimacy is required for the Europe system.” The full report here