The elite of the information society: challenges of modern world

Abstract

The article substantiates the importance of forming a new generation of elite of the information society capable of facing the challenges of modern society to meet the needs of various social aspects. In the course of the study, the factors and principles determining the uniqueness of modern society are revealed. The post-industrial society is characterized by the availability of modern information resources and technologies, as well as developed information structure, where necessary information resources are constantly updated. The essential features, regularities of formation and functioning, role and main tasks of the new elite are analyzed. The problem of elite influence on the policies of governments of different levels is studied. The elite is determined to play a key role in the formation and development of social strata, which perform managerial functions significant for individual citizens and the country as a whole. A distinctive feature of the new elite is possession of information and knowledge, not material values. Its influence is due to scientific competence and the position of a leader in commercial, political and scientific institutions. Therefore, capital as the main constituent of influence is replaced by knowledge. Intelligence, information and knowledge are proven to be important factors of both technological progress and social self-determination. Moreover, the key for society development task of the new elite is integration of two polar social classes, the intellectual class and unskilled workers. Thus, modern education system, which combines studying the aspects of information activities and traditional research issues, should provide the basis for the formation of the new elite.