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Theme Editorial: The gift of knowledge by Lucky Lowe
Data, information, knowledge, know-how, communication; these are concepts influenced by the context in which we think or talk about them. Words are not only words, but much more... they reflect personal values, cultural norms, commercial worth, intellectual property rights, emotions, power and more... the variety of purposes for which we need knowledge and ways we use it reflect the rich complexity of life. [top] [end]It’s a feastOne recipe for success is to take the raw materials of existing, indigenous knowledge, mix with it information from elsewhere, let it ferment with new learning, bake in the hot oven of risk taking and experimentation and sprinkle it generously with imagination and care. The result is sure to be a tasty dish fit for the palettes, and nutritious enough to sate the appetites, of all those seated at the table.Knowledge is categorised into implicit and tacit. There is know-how that may be evident for anyone to see, but also the less tangible knowing we hold in our heads and hands. This is the know-‘who, when and where’ which is built into processes and production practices. It is what we use everyday to live, and to safeguard future generations; to produce plants, nurture and harvest; to prepare, store and cook food; to care for ourselves, families and social networks; to organise collective productivity and generate economic wealth. Knowledge is the glue that holds together everything we do from cooking on a traditional stove to manufacturing solar panels. [top] [end]What’s the trickThere has been an explosion of interest in recent years about the potential of modern Information and Communications Technologies to connect us all in a global, virtual world of the Internet. Millions of dollars have been invested in pilot projects, infrastructure, ever changing hardware and software but there is still a ‘digital divide’ that cuts off millions of people without access to electricity let alone the computers required to link into the Worldwide Web. Nonetheless, there is no denying the exciting potential of the Internet to cross boundaries and empower people; it is a wonderful thing to be in communication with a person (or millions of people) across the globe. The articles on HEDON and Microhydro.net demonstrate how such resources can be harnessed to capture diverse strands of knowledge to enable others to retrieve it when they need.We all favour certain approaches to sharing and learning. Some people thrive in formal educational settings and have the opportunity to study for years, going from school to university. Many millions more people rely on the informal exchange and practical experiences that life throws at them to grow their understanding and development new skills. The success of demonstration projects, pilot schemes and incentive schemes that engage people in the opportunity to try it out for themselves highlights that seeing may be believing but doing results in learning. People trust face-to-face communications. Our relationships, based on trust and reciprocal exchange, teach us to share what we know with family, friends and work colleagues. There are many knowledge sharing methods highlighted by the initiatives in this edition that build on this premise – building locally trusted sources, artisans and community based organisations, theatre and entertainment to create awareness and understanding of new ways. Marketing professionals have taught us that after awareness and interest we need to create desire and action. Knowledge sharing is clearly entwined in all aspects of doing business. The lessons from Kenya, India and Sri Lanka show how producers and promoters, professionals and policymakers all need to be persuaded to share an understanding and work together to bring about change. Effective use and knowledge creation play a key role in researching markets, sourcing raw materials, enhancing skills and combining processes, distributing products and reaching out to customers. The imaginative and effective use of many media has shown to be effective in conveying messages, changing behaviours and creating new markets. People are showing that the challenges and constraints can be overcome and the immediate cost of investing in effective knowledge sharing can lead to long-term benefits. It is true that many people suffer from information poverty but most are rich and have much to share: for knowledge to grow we have to give it away. [top] [end]Download the original article Theme Editorial: The gift of knowledge by Lucky Lowe (76 KB)[top] [end]Contents: Boiling Point 51 - Sharing information and communicating knowledge
Categories: Boiling Point 51| Information Dissemination | |||||||||
Page created:
26 May 2007; Last edited:
05 June 2007; Version: 8 | |||||||||
Pagename: TheGiftOfKnowledge @HEDON: CREA | |||||||||
