Globalization is a leading force for industry worldwide, especially the new technology sector. This presents both problems and opportunities in the emergence of a new type of consumer and the effects of globalization on industry in terms of culture, economics, marketing, and social issues at every scale from local to global. The main aim of the book is to enhance the readerвЂTMs knowledge – especially from a multidisciplinary perspective rather than from an individual functional perspective – of international consumer behaviour. It also explores the role of globalization in the evolving world of the new technology sector and provides an overview of the development of international consumer behavior from historical, geographical and social perspectives, while focusing on new technology products and services. Professionals, students and researchers working in the fields of new technologies and information and communication technologies (ICT) as well as specialists of marketing and management are the target audience for this book.В At the same time, the book will be pitched at a level so as to also appeal to a more general readership interested in globalization. Clear objectives were set at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 for local authorities to prepare, implement and monitor a Local Agenda 21 (LA21): a strategic programme, plan or policy for achieving sustainable development locally, derived through consultation with citizens and relevant local stakeholders. Sustainable Communities in Europe presents detailed research into the participation and involvement of local communities in 11 European countries. Overviews of implementation in each country are accompanied by comparative analysis of positive and negative changes to date. Useful examples of best practice case studies are provided, and crucial barriers to achieving sustainability are highlighted. This most broad-based and systematic study of LA21 ever produced offers important lessons and suggestions for the future which will be invaluable in preparations for the forthcoming Earth Summit 2002 to be held in Johannesburg. This study provides an overview of the development of international consumer behavior from historical, geographical, and social perspectives and explores the role of globalization in the quickly changing technology sector, focusing on new technology products and services. It presents both problems and opportunities in the emergence of a new type of consumer and the effects of globalization on industry in terms of culture, economics, marketing, and social issues at every level, from local to global Aims to enhance the reader's knowledge of international consumer behavior. This book also explores the role of globalization in the evolving world of the new technology sector and provides an overview of the development of international consumer behavior from historical, geographical and social perspectives
