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The global knowledge economy in question

The global knowledge economy in question
The global knowledge economy in question

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to bring into question the idea of the global knowledge economy.

Design/methodology/approach – The paper explores the characteristics of the knowledge economy, as elaborated by academics and policy makers concerned with knowledge in the contemporary global business environment. A range of available data is reviewed concerning the global distribution of investments in knowledge, information and communications technologies (ICTs), international transactions in knowledge-intensive services and royalty and licensing fees, employment by sector and literacy rates. Such data provide a basis for an initial critical evaluation of the notion of the global knowledge economy.

Findings – The use of the term “global knowledge economy” fails to acknowledge the uneven distribution of knowledge-based economic activity. Moreover, as currently constituted, the idea of a global knowledge economy, which focuses on knowledge as conceptualised in the commercial activities of advanced countries, overlooks the diversity of knowledges present in the world today.

Originality/value – This paper provides the first attempt to question and critically explore the global knowledge economy.


communication technologies, globalization, intellectual property, knowledge economy, knowledge management
1742-2043
285-303
Roberts, Joanne
c49f0cf6-8c79-4826-b7f2-8563d7aa99cf
Roberts, Joanne
c49f0cf6-8c79-4826-b7f2-8563d7aa99cf

Roberts, Joanne (2009) The global knowledge economy in question. Critical Perspectives on International Business, 5 (4), 285-303. (doi:10.1108/17422040911003033).

Record type: Article

Abstract


Purpose – The aim of this paper is to bring into question the idea of the global knowledge economy.

Design/methodology/approach – The paper explores the characteristics of the knowledge economy, as elaborated by academics and policy makers concerned with knowledge in the contemporary global business environment. A range of available data is reviewed concerning the global distribution of investments in knowledge, information and communications technologies (ICTs), international transactions in knowledge-intensive services and royalty and licensing fees, employment by sector and literacy rates. Such data provide a basis for an initial critical evaluation of the notion of the global knowledge economy.

Findings – The use of the term “global knowledge economy” fails to acknowledge the uneven distribution of knowledge-based economic activity. Moreover, as currently constituted, the idea of a global knowledge economy, which focuses on knowledge as conceptualised in the commercial activities of advanced countries, overlooks the diversity of knowledges present in the world today.

Originality/value – This paper provides the first attempt to question and critically explore the global knowledge economy.


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More information

Published date: 2009
Keywords: communication technologies, globalization, intellectual property, knowledge economy, knowledge management
Organisations: Winchester School of Art

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 360323
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/360323
ISSN: 1742-2043
PURE UUID: 309bf565-1593-4d43-9bb2-e890d689dc44
ORCID for Joanne Roberts: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0001-5337-1698

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 09 Dec 2013 10:20
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 03:46

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