But given their heterogeneous, pervasive and differentiated effects, they have also been the object of fierce critiques and deep-seated fears, which policy makers should not neglect. Globalization is a complex, multidimensional phenomenon, consisting not only of the deeper integration of goods, services and capital markets, but also of the greatly increased mobility of people, information and ideas.
The globalization we have experienced over the last quarter of a century could not have been achieved without the technological revolution that today is symbolized by the wide diffusion of computers, the internet, smartphones and robots. This technological revolution is inexorably permeating all aspects of economic and social life.