Motivating Factors of Liberalization and Protectionism Decisions in the Knowledge-Based Society

In the paper we present and analyze the influence of the main factors that underly the economic liberalization and protectionism decisions. Without no doubt, the economy and the society supports some obvious changes as a result of the increase in knowledge volume and knowledge development sphere. In this conjuncture, we analyze, from temporary and doctrinal perspective, the possible changes that may occur in the hierarchy of the factors that support economic development decisions and motivate the measures of economic liberalization and protectionism. In time, these factors have changed their position and role in the economy and society, they have evolved through the accumulation of knowledge, and their applicability effects are changing once with the economic and social dynamics. The same factor, once considered the driving engine of economic growth and development, currently it can be efficient only if it incorporate enough knowledge; otherwise it will have a secondary role in the economic scene if other factors acts more efficient in a three dimensional plan: economic, social and environmental. The list of main motivators of economic liberalization and protectionism, as they were acting at certain periods of time, gives us the full image of liberalization and protectionism current features by establishing the trends of the two processes characterized by knowledge