The upheavals in many economies in 1997 and 1998, including the 'miracle economies' of East Asia, are further evidence of the powerful forces at work in the world economy. This book studies the global knowledge economy which is emerging as a result of these technological and policy forces, and explores its impact in various areas. Particular attention is given to its impact on the nature of work, on the skill composition of employment and on unemployment. While the study is set in an international context, the central focus is on the implications for Australia and on the overall response which Australia should make to this central challenge.