The second edition of the seminar develops the discussions begun on December 1993, taking as its starting point the issues and goals highlighted by the Nobel Laureates who participated in the two-day debate. The general framework remains that of the relationship between scientific progress, economic development and the emerging ethical issues associated with such change. The participants have been asked to reflect upon the intrinsic cultural value of science and on the need for the general public to play a more active role in setting the goals and ethical limits of research and its applications, with a view to overcoming conflict and strengthening international cooperation. This scenario can not ignore the strategic importance of education nor training and the impact of changes wrought by innovation in the world of production and work.

The sessions Innovation and Research in the Future of Work Automation, computers and information technology have given rise to neo-Luddite fears, where innovation is seen as the cause of a drastic reduction in the number and quality of jobs. However, this is true only for certain industries, in which it is necessary to adjust the balance between labour and capital. Meanwhile, the advances of research have created new industries and developed new skills, producing a net benefit for society. Education and the Development of Human Capital The traditional structure for transmitting knowledge to future generations is inevitably outpaced by rapid scientific and technological progress. Yet the evolving labour market demands ever greater flexibility and extensive interdisciplinary education throughout a worker's career. Hence the need to re-examine the way in which training is provided, as it is a factor that will play an increasingly decisive role in development. Science and the Transformation of Society Scientific progress has wrought profound changes in society and individual life-styles and attitudes. This has very often occurred without our being aware of the transformation. The increasing speed with which new discoveries are made and new applications developed has made it vitally important to inform the public of the potential and limits of research if we are to establish a balanced relationship between science and society, decision-makers and citizens. Scientific Enterprise as an Engine for Peace Scientists belong to the only community that has shown itself aware of the need to overcome ethnic, political and geographical barriers. For this reason, society may call upon them to contribute to the elimination of conflict and the promotion of peaceful coexistence, so that resources can be devoted to a common vision of development that responds to the needs of politics, economics and the advancement of knowledge. Intellectual Diversity for a Single Culture The progressive specialization of fields of study and the language they employ has gained supremacy over the concept of a unified body of knowledge. The Renaissance ideal of Universal Man is no longer an option in today's world. Yet for this very reason we must promote exchange and dialogue between the worlds of science and the humanities, enabling every area of intellectual endeavour to contribute to a critical examination of the major ethical dilemmas generated by progress.