Beyond the digital divide: a conceptual framework for analyzing knowledge societies

Abstract

PurposeThe research reported in this ongoing study aims to investigate the notion of knowledge assets developed within digital communities in the course of their economic or leisure activities. Ideally, the resulting knowledge is universal, affordable and relevant; this inclusiveness is a hallmark of any information or knowledge society.Design/methodology/approachThe authors first synthesize the related research literature covering the areas of knowledge‐based economies, knowledge societies and knowledge policies. A model using 13 dimensions is then developed, which the authors claim is critical for creating a knowledge community in the digital economy. The model is validated against critique from a Delphi panel of researchers in the area.FindingsWhile creating a knowledge society encompasses dimensions pertaining to infrastructure, governance, talent and culture, intangible assets are key to sustaining such societies. Governance and culture are instances of such intangibles. Talent may seem to be tangible but the human capacity for learning and development, which leads to an innovative culture, is less so. In any case, time is the essential ingredient for a knowledge culture to come about.Research limitations/implicationsKnowledge societies are not measurable constructs that can be described quantitatively and benchmarked with weighted summations of scores along prescribed dimensions. It would be a fallacy to treat the notion of a knowledge index as a socio‐economic measure of success.Practical implications. conclude with a practical view of how the dimensions may be best exploited in the course of a policy discussion on sustainable knowledge societies.Originality/valueIt is hoped that the research will provide a framework for policy makers and analysts to conduct qualitative discussions on creating and sustaining knowledge societies.

The Delphi Method Research Strategy in Studies of Information Systems

“…Ultimately, the study determines a generic set of elemental knowledge manipulation activities that include acquiring, selecting, internalizing, and using knowledge in KM episodes. Sharma, Ng, Dharmawirya, and Lee (2008) likewise use the method to derive a conceptual framework for analyzing knowledge societies. Their innovative work investigates knowledge assets developed in digital communities during economic or leisure activities.…”

A knowledge-based development model for primate cities of the developing world

“…The recognition of cities as an important frontier for addressing human development challenges and their key roles as macro-economic engines has stimulated interest amongst practitioners and theoreticians in the role of knowledgebased development in the urban environment (Borja and Castells, 1997;Bounfour and Edvinsson 2005;Carrillo, 2004Carrillo, , 2015Florida, 2004;Sharma et al, 2008Sharma et al, , 2009. This in turn has given rise to an area of specialization known as knowledge-based urban development or knowledge cities, which is a new hybrid of knowledge-based development and urban studies and which seeks to provide strategic responses for addressing the complex multidisciplinary challenges that cities face (Carrillo, 2004(Carrillo, , 2015.…”

“…Although cities in developing countries represent the spaces with the greatest potentialpositive and negative -for human growth over the coming years of this century, the bulk of the academic research in this field appears to be addressed towards the developed country context (Atiqul Haq, 2012;Jenkins,2013;Roy, 2005). Much of this inquiry has focused on leading global cities in the developed world with attention given to the role of technology, specialization, reputation, knowledge workers and their impact on the attractiveness and competitiveness of these cities (Carrillo, 2004;Dickman, 2012;Ergazakis et al, 2006;Florida, 2004;Luethge & Byosiere, 2006;Sharma et al, 2008Sharma et al, , 2009Yigitcanlar et al, 2007). This situation therefore raises ethical questions about the intent, purpose, responsibility and action of researchers.…”

Vadybinės kompetencijos žinių visuomenės iššūkių kontekste

“…• pirma, žinių visuomenės ir žinių vadybos sąvokų interpretacijos, žinių valdymo procesų analizės bei šių proceso reikšmės organizacijai pagrindimas (Stankevičiūtė, Jucevičius (2001)…”