5.4 Knowledge Society: Features of Emerging Knowledge Society.

BLIS-201: Information and Communication.

Introduction

The Social progress itself has been a gradual process spanning millennia, and it has finally reached a stage where knowledge plays a central role in facilitating radical societal change. The Agricultural Revolution and the Industrial Revolution stand out as two key milestones in this transformative journey. During the Agrarian Society, agriculture served as the primary occupation, forming the foundation of knowledge creation. However, progress was slow, and the social structure remained relatively simple. The landed gentry held the power, and people's lives revolved around crop cultivation and animal husbandry. Village life provided stability, while rural crafts, folk arts, and music developed as leisure activities. In the competition for limited resources, the privileged enjoyed a significant share.
The Industrial Society was catalyzed by the Industrial Revolution, which began in Great Britain and eventually spread across Western Europe. This evolving society revolved around energy as the primary driver of mass production of goods and services. The majority of the workforce engaged in manufacturing and distributing outputs, leading to the emergence of a new class of blue-collar factory workers. Trade and commerce flourished, and Europe experienced tremendous wealth through colonialism and capitalism. The shift in power and prestige moved from landowners to wealthy owners of manufacturing industries and factories, resulting in a dramatic change in the social structure. People's standard of living improved remarkably, and the principles of economic production influenced their values and way of life. While the effects of the agricultural revolution spanned over 10,000 years, the industrial revolution brought about phenomenal changes within a mere 300 years in the industrial society.
In the emerging Knowledge Society, changes occur at a much faster pace, taking place within decades. This society has demonstrated that human knowledge is the driving force behind astounding societal transformations. Various authors have given different names to this emerging society, such as the Post-industrial Society, the Third Wave, the Information Age, the Electronic Era, the Scientific-Technological Revolution, and the Information Society.

Growth and Development of Society

The growth and development from the Agrarian Society to the Industrial Society, Information Society, and finally, the Knowledge Society. I'll also include a table summarizing the key features of each society.

1. Agrarian Society: The Agrarian Society was characterized by its reliance on agriculture as the primary occupation. People's livelihoods revolved around cultivating crops and practicing animal husbandry. Progress was slow, and the social structure remained fairly simple. The power dynamics were centered around the landed gentry, who held control over the resources and wealth. Village life provided stability, and in their leisure time, people engaged in rural crafts, folk arts, and music.
2. Industrial Society:The Industrial Society marked a significant shift with the advent of the Industrial Revolution. Energy became the main source of production, and mass-scale manufacturing and distribution emerged as key drivers of economic growth. The majority of the workforce transitioned from agrarian activities to factory-based manufacturing. This led to the rise of a new class of blue-collar workers. Trade, commerce, and business flourished, driven by colonialism and capitalism. The social structure underwent a dramatic transformation as power and prestige shifted from landowners to the wealthy owners of manufacturing industries and factories. There was a remarkable improvement in the standard of living, and economic principles shaped societal values and way of life.
3. Information Society: The Information Society emerged with advancements in information and communication technologies (ICT). It was characterized by the rapid growth, dissemination, and accessibility of knowledge. Information became a valuable resource, and the ability to manage and utilize information effectively became essential. The Information Society witnessed a significant expansion of global trade, commerce, and business, driven by the interconnectedness brought about by technology. The power dynamics continued to evolve, with new players emerging in the digital landscape.
4. Knowledge Society:The Knowledge Society represents the current stage of societal development, where knowledge assumes a central role in driving progress. In the Knowledge Society, human knowledge is acknowledged as the primary source of power and catalyst for change. It is characterized by unprecedented growth in knowledge creation, dissemination, and accessibility. Globalization has further amplified the interconnectedness of societies. The power dynamics continue to shift, and the emergence of knowledge workers, a professional class focused on knowledge-intensive tasks, plays a crucial role. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) continue to advance, shaping every aspect of society.

Society	Key Features
Agrarian Society	Reliance on agriculture
	Slow progress and simple social structure
	Power held by the landed gentry
	Village centered life
Industrial Society	Industrial revolution
	Energy driven mass production and distribution
	Rise of bluecollar workers
	Trade and commerce expansion
Information Society	Information and communication technology (ICT)
	Rapid growth, dissemination, and accessibility
	Globalization of trade and business
	Digital transformation and power shifts
Knowledge Society	Knowledge as the driving force
	Unprecedented growth of knowledge
	Interconnectedness and globalization
	Emergence of knowledge workers
	Advancements in Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Knowledge Society: Social Transformation

In the context of the Knowledge Society, it is important to reflect on the profound social transformations that have taken place. Renowned management consultant Peter Drucker aptly highlights the significance of these changes in the twentieth century, stating that no other century in recorded history has witnessed such radical and numerous social transformations. He suggests that these transformations may be the defining events of our century, shaping its legacy. Drucker emphasizes that the developed free-market countries, though representing only a fraction of the global population, serve as a model for societal changes.
Drucker notes that unlike earlier periods of history, where social transformations often resulted from civil wars, rebellions, and intellectual and spiritual crises, the changes in the twentieth century have occurred with minimal friction and upheaval. They have gone relatively unnoticed by scholars, politicians, the press, and the public. Despite the unprecedented violence and cruelty witnessed during this century, such as two world wars, mass tortures, ethnic cleansings, genocides, and holocausts, these events were not the primary drivers of social transformation. Instead, the catalyst behind the social changes has been intellectual activity, leading to the generation of new knowledge through scientific and technological research, innovative thinking, and its organized application for material advancement.
From these observations, several key points emerge about the Knowledge Society:

1. Speed and Rapidity of Change: The changes in the twentieth century have occurred at an astonishing pace, transforming every aspect of people's lives.
2. Impact on All Aspects of Life: The social transformations have had far-reaching effects, touching upon work and workforce, society, and polity. These changes have permeated various spheres of human existence.
3. Role of Science and Technology: The advancements and developments in science and technology have been instrumental in driving these social changes. The synergies between different fields of knowledge have played a crucial role in shaping the Knowledge Society.
4. Convergence of Computer and Communication Technologies: The integration of computer and communication technologies has revolutionized knowledge recording and dissemination. This convergence has provided unprecedented opportunities for the storage, sharing, and access to information.
5. Prominence in Western Societies: The changes in the Knowledge Society are particularly evident in Western societies, where the impacts of technological advancements and knowledge-based economies are most conspicuous.
6. Emergence of Knowledge Workers: A new class of knowledge workers is emerging as the intellectual capital of organizations. These individuals possess specialized knowledge and skills, playing a pivotal role in driving innovation and progress.
7. Shifting Power Dynamics: The substantial economic transformation, including wealth distribution and concentration, has led to a shift in power dynamics within societies. This realignment of power foci is a significant outcome of the social changes in the Knowledge Society.
8. Unequal Distribution of Wealth and Benefits: Despite industrial development, there has been an unequal distribution of wealth, power, and benefits within even the most advanced countries. This issue highlights the challenges associated with equitable distribution and the need for addressing socioeconomic disparities.

The Knowledge Society has witnessed remarkable social transformations driven by science, technology, and intellectual pursuits. These changes have occurred swiftly, impacting all aspects of life and leading to shifts in power, emergence of knowledge workers, and challenges related to wealth and benefit distribution. The journey toward a more equitable and inclusive Knowledge Society remains an ongoing endeavor.

Features of Knowledge Society

The following features of a knowledge society can be identified:

1. Wide Range of Human Skills: In a knowledge society, knowledge encompasses various skills and expertise, extending beyond traditional academic disciplines. It includes knowledge derived from scientific research, technology, social sciences, humanities, as well as specialized skills possessed by individuals. This recognition of diverse skills highlights the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and the integration of knowledge from different fields.
2. Accelerated Growth of Recorded Knowledge: The advent of specialized research institutions, supported by governments, industries, and international organizations, has led to a significant acceleration in the growth of recorded knowledge. This growth is facilitated by advancements in technology, particularly in the areas of communication and information dissemination. The availability of research papers, periodicals, reports, and the internet has made knowledge more accessible and has contributed to the rapid dissemination of research findings.
3. Accessibility and Dissemination of Knowledge: The development of information and communication technology (ICT) has revolutionized the accessibility and dissemination of knowledge. The internet and web pages have facilitated instant and global access to a vast pool of accumulated knowledge. Regardless of geographical location or economic status, individuals can access knowledge from various disciplines, thereby promoting the democratization of knowledge.
4. Knowledge as a Resource: In a knowledge society, individual knowledge is considered a valuable resource, particularly in the business context. Organizations recognize the significance of individual expertise and invest in knowledge engineering and knowledge management. These practices involve capturing, representing, and sharing knowledge, both tacit and explicit, within the organization. The goal is to maximize the utilization of knowledge to drive innovation, problem-solving, and decision-making processes.
5. Intellectual Property Rights: As knowledge becomes a valuable asset, issues related to intellectual property rights, such as patenting, arise. In a knowledge society, there is a focus on protecting and rewarding the investments made in knowledge creation. Intellectual property laws and regulations play a crucial role in ensuring that knowledge creators receive recognition and appropriate benefits for their contributions.
6. Embedded Knowledge: Knowledge is not only limited to individuals but can also be embedded in natural resources, artifacts, machines, tools, and devices. This embedded knowledge encompasses the understanding of how natural resources can be utilized, manipulated, and preserved for human benefit. It also includes the knowledge incorporated into the design, development, and innovation of various products and technologies. This type of knowledge requires investments and is often protected to prevent unauthorized use.
7. Lifelong Learning: In a knowledge society, learning becomes a lifelong process. Individuals are encouraged to continuously update their knowledge and skills to adapt to the changing demands of the society and economy. There is an emphasis on formal education, vocational training, professional development, and informal learning opportunities to foster a culture of continuous learning.
8. Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Collaboration and knowledge sharing are key features of a knowledge society. Individuals and organizations actively engage in collaborative projects, research networks, and partnerships to share ideas, expertise, and resources. This collaborative culture promotes innovation, problem-solving, and the generation of new knowledge.
9. Innovation and Creativity: A knowledge society fosters an environment that encourages innovation and creativity. There is a focus on supporting and nurturing creative thinking and entrepreneurial initiatives. Innovation is seen as a catalyst for progress and economic growth, and society actively promotes and rewards innovative ideas, products, and services.
10. Information Literacy and Critical Thinking: In a knowledge society, individuals are equipped with information literacy skills and critical thinking abilities. They possess the capacity to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively, ensuring that knowledge is utilized in a responsible and informed manner. Critical thinking skills enable individuals to analyze complex problems, challenge assumptions, and make informed decisions.
11. Social and Cultural Transformation: Knowledge societies have the potential to bring about social and cultural transformations. Access to knowledge and information empowers individuals, promotes social inclusion, and enables cultural exchange and diversity. It can lead to the transformation of traditional power structures, promote equality, and foster social cohesion.
12. Ethical Considerations: In a knowledge society, ethical considerations play a significant role in the generation, dissemination, and application of knowledge. There is a recognition of the ethical responsibilities associated with research, data privacy, intellectual property rights, and the use of emerging technologies. Ethical frameworks and guidelines ensure that knowledge is used for the betterment of society while upholding principles of fairness, integrity, and accountability.

Additional features reflect the evolving nature of a Knowledge Society

• Open Access and Open Science: An emerging knowledge society places emphasis on open access to information and open science practices. It promotes the free and unrestricted availability of research outputs, data, and publications to facilitate collaboration, innovation, and the advancement of knowledge. Open science practices encourage transparency, reproducibility, and the sharing of research methodologies and findings.
• Digital Transformation: The emergence of a knowledge society is closely intertwined with digital transformation. It involves the adoption and integration of digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing. These technologies enable the processing, analysis, and utilization of vast amounts of data, leading to new insights, discoveries, and solutions.
• Knowledge Democratization: In an emerging knowledge society, there is a push for democratizing knowledge. Efforts are made to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to knowledge resources and digital technologies. This includes promoting digital literacy, expanding internet connectivity, and reducing barriers to entry for marginalized communities, thus fostering inclusivity and reducing knowledge gaps.
• Disruptive Innovation: The emerging knowledge society is characterized by disruptive innovation, where new technologies, ideas, and business models challenge existing norms and paradigms. Disruptive innovations often lead to transformative changes in industries, economies, and society as a whole. This dynamic environment encourages experimentation, risk-taking, and the exploration of new frontiers.
• Knowledge Networks and Communities: An emerging knowledge society thrives on interconnected networks and communities of practice. Online platforms, social media, and virtual collaboration tools facilitate the creation of knowledge networks, where individuals and organizations can share ideas, collaborate on projects, and exchange expertise. These networks and communities foster a culture of collective intelligence and co-creation of knowledge.
• Sustainable Development: An emerging knowledge society recognizes the importance of sustainable development. It integrates knowledge and practices that promote environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic prosperity. The application of knowledge in areas such as renewable energy, climate change mitigation, circular economy, and social innovation plays a pivotal role in achieving sustainable development goals.
• Data Privacy and Ethics: As the collection and utilization of data become integral to a knowledge society, ensuring data privacy and upholding ethical considerations becomes paramount. Safeguarding personal information, addressing privacy concerns, and establishing ethical guidelines for data collection, storage, and usage are important aspects of an emerging knowledge society.