ABSTRACT
This paper analyses the impacts of ongoing technological innovations (particularly, in microelectronics) on the future of the world economy. The author argues that service-intensive activities will become increasingly important, and the world economy will reach “network characteristics “, with a much higher degree of interdependence than ever. The technical feasibility of worldwide integration, however, will not necessarily translate itself into economic integration given the resistance of nationalist and protectionist forces. And the disarray of the international financial system will tend to foster these forces. Against this background, the options for Brazil vis-à-vis the worldwide integration process are also discussed.
KEYWORDS:
Structural change; services sector; integration