TY - JOUR
T1 - The global knowledge economy in question
AU - Roberts, Joanne
PY - 2009
Y1 - 2009
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
KW - knowledge management
KW - globalization
U2 - 10.1108/17422040911003033
DO - 10.1108/17422040911003033
M3 - Article
SN - 1742-2043
VL - 5
SP - 285
EP - 303
JO - Critical Perspectives on International Business
JF - Critical Perspectives on International Business
IS - 4
ER -