Posted by Prac on November 04, 2002 at 14:01:34:

In Reply to: Differences between Information Age & Knowledge Age / Economy posted by Maryna Botha on November 04, 2002 at 04:46:32:

Hi Maryna

As far as I know the knowledge age has not dawned yet in terms of human history.

The information age superceded the industrial age and was recognised round about the late 60's/early seventies. The next age some are referring to, which would probably supercede the information age, is referred to as the super-industrial age. The differences are apparently vast, but it is sure the super-industrial age would swallow up the information age, or have it for bait, so to speak. The main reason would be that us IT people are still struggling to design fully-scalable solutions, meaning that could grow in size without losing its original architecture and quality. I do think people would be forced to catch up real soon though as the technology becomes more pervasive.

Contrary to some respondents, KM is real and it does exist, as is knowledge ecologies. Both these concepts have theoretical underpinnings and may be biased towards a particular flavour of commerce or not. Both are individualistic though, a point many commercial punters cannot admit to, due to the general nature of their so-called solutions. Could you imagine the costs to custom develop a solution for every customer? Well, the truth is, it costs a lot less than most people would think, depending on the knowledge behind the solution offerings.

I think KM totally embraces, and in fact is functionally dependent on the Information Age for its commercial applications.

Knowledge ecology is the same as any framework or eco-system, only with a knowledge flavour to it.

I am not trying to minimize knowledge ecologies, but it would typically fall within the domain of knowledge strategies etc.

Think about it this way, KM and IM wear different hats, but they are closely interrelated. All environmental frameworks share common ground, but each may have a different focus in order to achieve specific objectives.

These are very interresting subjects. May I suggest you read back on the discussions in Brint to whet your appetite even more.

In short the knowldge economy centres around the trade in knowledge products. It is assumed that a knowledge market exists, which some are still trying to prove as a general truth. There are discrete knowledge economies at work in the world, but it is not guaranteed to be applicaple to all corporations. Suppose you wanted to buy a research report of mine, if I ever had one. Suppose others are also interested. I could stimulate the economics of supply and demand by getting the best price for the product, and concluding a financial transaction around it. The value of that knowledge could be measured, and economic accounting could be applied to it. This transaction could be recorded as an event in the knowledge economy, but bear in mind there would be micro and macro economies, and perhaps quite a few others as well. Everything is not what it seems. ;-) Pitfalls may be everywhere, especially on well-trodden paths of financial transactions. The buyer should beware.

Groete,

---

Follow Ups:

---

Click Here to Post Follow Up in New Forums

    Knowledge Management Think Tank (New)

  

 Subject: 

Message: