In an increasingly connected world, separatism leads to loss of sovereignty and control, and pain for citizens
Since Adam Smith and the birth of modern economics, we have learned that barriers are harmful to society. They have a negative impact on companies, deterring competition and limiting us all. The rationale is quite clear: companies, as well as people, need to breath and thrive in larger economic and legal systems where harmonisation and sharing is required.
Last week, Barcelona – the city I hope to become mayor of – hosted the Mobile World Congress (MWC), the biggest industry trade show and a symbol of innovation, globalisation and progress. This year’s theme was intelligent connectivity. Both the separatist movement in Catalonia and Brexit represent the opposite of this – turning their back on this new world of connections and exchange, a world that welcomes the fourth industrial revolution, which will connect us faster, wider and better than ever before. A new world where people, organisations and things will be part of a global liquid society and market with fewer borders and constraints.
Continue reading...from The Guardian https://ift.tt/2TlJOO8
via
0 Comments