Knowledge Society: Features of the Emerging Knowledge Society

1. Introduction

A knowledge society is a stage in human development where knowledge is recognised as the most critical resource for social, cultural, political, and economic progress. Unlike earlier industrial or agrarian societies that relied primarily on land, labour, or capital, the knowledge society is built on creating, disseminating, and effectively applying knowledge. It emphasises transforming raw data and information into meaningful insights for decision-making, innovation, and problem-solving.
A knowledge society is not merely an information society. While an information society focuses on generating and circulating information, a knowledge society goes further by ensuring that information is critically evaluated, contextualised, and converted into knowledge that benefits individuals and communities. It is a society that promotes lifelong learning, inclusive access to information resources, and most importantly, equitable participation in knowledge creation and use. This emphasis on inclusivity and equity makes everyone feel included and valued in societal development.
In contemporary times, the rise of digital technologies, globalisation, and rapid innovation has accelerated the transition toward knowledge societies. Such societies are characterised by their emphasis on education, research, innovation systems, information and communication technologies (ICTs), and cultural openness. UNESCO, in particular, stresses that a true knowledge society must be inclusive, pluralistic, and dedicated to sustainable human development.
Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals are pivotal in the Knowledge Society. They enable access to knowledge, preserve intellectual heritage, and guide individuals in navigating and using information effectively. Their contribution is crucial in fostering the growth of a knowledge-driven world.

2. Meaning

A knowledge society is one in which knowledge creation, dissemination, access, and application become the primary drivers of social, economic, cultural, and political development. In such a society, knowledge is not just a resource, but a transformative force that can elevate societies and individuals beyond their current state. It is regarded as a fundamental resource and catalyst for innovation, growth, well-being, and progress, inspiring hope and optimism.
Here are several complementary definitions and conceptualisations drawn from scholarly discourse:

• A knowledge society “generates, shares, and makes available to all members … knowledge that may be used to improve the human condition.”
• It is “a society where the creation, dissemination, and utilisation of information and knowledge has become the most important factor of production.”
• According to Kujath and Stein, a knowledge society is “a human structured organisation based on contemporary developed knowledge and representing new quality of life support systems.”
• A society that relies on the knowledge of its educated citizens to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and dynamic economic development.
• A knowledge society is more than an information society. While an information society emphasises collection, transmission, and access to information or data, a knowledge society emphasises transforming that information into actionable, meaningful, and contextually relevant knowledge.
• Knowledge is not passive; it must be applied, adapted, innovated, and shared. The mere existence of data or digital infrastructure does not guarantee a knowledge society.

In short, the knowledge society concept transforms from industrial or information societies, where physical capital, natural resources, or information dissemination dominate, to a system where knowledge (in its fullest sense) is the core resource.

3. Growth and Development of Society

The growth and development of human society can be traced through distinct stages, each defined by the dominant mode of production, social structure, and the resource considered most valuable. The progression from the Agrarian Society to the Industrial Society, followed by the Information Society, and finally to the Knowledge Society, reflects how human civilisation has continuously evolved by leveraging its core resources and technological advancements.

• Agrarian Society: The agricultural society was the earliest stage of organised human life, characterised by agriculture as the main occupation. People’s survival and livelihoods depended on cultivating crops and rearing animals. Social life revolved around villages, which provided stability and simplicity. The landed gentry dominated the power structure, which controlled resources and wealth. Leisure activities included rural crafts, folk traditions, music, and local arts. Progress was slow, and the society remained relatively static regarding innovation and development.
• Industrial Society: The industrial society emerged with the Industrial Revolution in the eighteenth century, marking a dramatic transformation in human history. Energy resources, such as coal and steam, became the primary drivers of mass production. Factory-based industries replaced agrarian work, creating a new class of blue-collar workers. Colonialism and capitalism fueled trade, commerce, and large-scale business enterprises. Power shifted from the landowners to the industrialists and factory owners. The standard of living improved significantly, and economic principles and industrial wealth reshaped society's values, priorities, and culture.
• Information Society: The information society arose in the twentieth century with the growth of information and communication technologies (ICT). Information became the most valuable resource, and practical information management was essential for personal, organisational, and societal success. Societies witnessed the rapid growth and dissemination of information through digital platforms, leading to globalisation and interconnectedness. Trade, commerce, and business expanded globally, with new players dominating the digital economy. The social structure adapted again, as knowledge and information-based industries gained influence over traditional manufacturing sectors.

The Knowledge Society represents a transformative stage of societal development. It shifts the focus from information distribution to transforming information into actionable, contextualised knowledge that drives innovation and change. Human knowledge is the trustworthy power source in this society, and knowledge workers are central actors. Globalisation and ICT advancements further amplify interconnectedness, reshaping economies, governance, education, and culture. Knowledge societies emphasise lifelong learning, sustainable development, and inclusive participation in knowledge creation and sharing.

4. Knowledge Society: Social Transformation

The emergence of the knowledge society has brought about profound social transformations that distinguish it from earlier stages of societal development. Renowned management thinker Peter Drucker observed that the twentieth century witnessed an unprecedented wave of change, unlike any other period in recorded history. According to him, these transformations may constitute the defining legacy of the century.
Drucker emphasised that, unlike past social transformations triggered by civil wars, rebellions, or spiritual crises, the changes of the twentieth century were primarily driven by intellectual activity and knowledge creation. Scientific research, technological innovation, and the systematic application of new ideas for material advancement became the primary engines of change. Although often overlooked by scholars and the public, these transformations redefined society's social, economic, and political structures.
Despite the violence and turmoil of the twentieth century, including two world wars, genocides, and ethnic cleansing, these were not the direct causes of the major social shifts. Instead, the knowledge society emerged through the steady growth of science, technology, and the convergence of information and communication technologies, reshaping human life's foundations.

Several defining aspects of this transformation can be identified:

• Speed and Rapidity of Change: The knowledge society is characterised by unprecedented change. Transformations that once took centuries now occur within decades, fundamentally altering how people work, communicate, and live. This speed has made adaptability and continuous learning essential for individuals and institutions.
• Impact on All Aspects of Life: The social transformations of the knowledge society extend far beyond the economy. They affect the workplace, workforce structure, governance, education, and social interaction. These changes have penetrated every aspect of human existence, creating a society where knowledge influences cultural norms, political decision-making, and economic strategies.
• Role of Science and Technology: Science and technology have been central drivers of these changes. Innovations in diverse fields, from medicine to engineering, and the synergies between them, have generated new knowledge that continually reshapes society. The organised application of scientific knowledge has led to material improvements and set the stage for global interconnectedness.
• Convergence of Computer and Communication Technologies: The integration of computer technology with communication systems has revolutionised how knowledge is recorded, stored, and disseminated. This convergence created the infrastructure for global information networks, enabling unprecedented opportunities for knowledge sharing and access across borders.
• Prominence in Western Societies: The social transformations of the knowledge society have been particularly evident in Western societies. With advanced economies and access to cutting-edge technologies, these regions became the earliest models of knowledge-driven development. Their experiences continue to shape global understandings of the knowledge society.
• Emergence of Knowledge Workers: A significant outcome of the knowledge society has been the rise of a new class of workers, knowledge workers. These individuals, valued for their specialised knowledge and intellectual skills, form the intellectual capital of organisations. They play a vital role in fostering innovation, problem-solving, and competitiveness in knowledge-driven economies.
• Shifting Power Dynamics: The knowledge society's economic transformation has shifted the power structure. Wealth and influence are no longer determined solely by land or industrial capital but increasingly by knowledge, expertise, and access to information. This realignment has created new power centres while raising concerns about the concentration of wealth and control.
• Unequal Distribution of Wealth and Benefits: Despite the remarkable progress, the knowledge society faces persistent issues of inequality. The benefits of scientific and technological development are not evenly distributed, even within advanced countries. Disparities in access to knowledge, resources, and opportunities continue to challenge the inclusiveness and equity of the knowledge society.

In summary, the knowledge society represents a transformative era shaped by science, technology, and intellectual endeavours. Its rapid pace of change, comprehensive impact on all aspects of life, and the rise of knowledge workers illustrate its distinctiveness. Yet, alongside progress, issues of inequality and uneven distribution of benefits remain pressing challenges. The ongoing task for the knowledge society is to build structures that ensure equitable access to knowledge and its advantages for all members of humanity.

5. Features of a Knowledge Society

A knowledge society is defined by a unique set of features that distinguish it from earlier forms of social organisation, such as agrarian, industrial, or information societies. These features capture how knowledge drives social, cultural, political, and economic progress. The following section compiles and refines the significant features of a knowledge society.

• Wide Range of Human Skills: A knowledge society recognises knowledge in its broadest sense. It values not only academic expertise from the sciences, technology, social sciences, and humanities but also specialised skills, vocational expertise, and traditional knowledge. This multidisciplinary approach highlights the integration of diverse forms of knowledge for problem-solving and development.
• Accelerated Growth of Recorded Knowledge: The establishment of universities, research institutions, and think tanks, supported by governments, industries, and international organisations, has accelerated the production of recorded knowledge. The proliferation of scholarly papers, reports, periodicals, and digital resources has dramatically increased the volume of accessible expertise. Advances in communication technologies further enhance the speed of dissemination.
• Accessibility and Dissemination of Knowledge: Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have transformed the accessibility of knowledge. Knowledge can be shared globally in real time through the internet, digital libraries, repositories, and online platforms. This democratisation of access reduces geographic and social barriers, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate in the knowledge economy.
• Knowledge as a Resource: Knowledge is a vital economic and social resource in a knowledge society. Organisations invest in knowledge management and engineering to harness tacit and explicit knowledge. Knowledge is applied strategically to foster innovation, improve decision-making, and maintain competitiveness.
• Intellectual Property Rights: Since knowledge is a valuable asset, intellectual property rights (IPR) play an essential role. Mechanisms such as patents, copyrights, and trademarks ensure that creators and innovators receive recognition and protection for their contributions. This encourages investment in research and knowledge creation while balancing accessibility and fair use.
• Embedded Knowledge: Knowledge is not confined to human minds; it is also embedded in natural resources, artefacts, machines, and technologies. Tools and products' design, development, and operation reflect accumulated knowledge. This embedded knowledge requires investment, and its protection is often enforced to prevent misuse.
• Lifelong Learning: A hallmark of a knowledge society is the emphasis on lifelong learning. Citizens are encouraged to update and expand their skills throughout life. Formal education, vocational training, professional development, and informal learning opportunities foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability.
• Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Knowledge societies promote collaborative cultures. Individuals and organisations engage in joint projects, research collaborations, and partnerships across national and disciplinary boundaries. Knowledge sharing encourages creativity, problem-solving, and innovation, reducing duplication of effort and generating collective intelligence.
• Innovation and Creativity: Creativity and innovation are cornerstones of a knowledge society. The environment encourages experimentation, supports entrepreneurial initiatives, and rewards original ideas. Innovation is seen not just as technological advancement but also as social and cultural renewal.
• Information Literacy and Critical Thinking: Individuals in a knowledge society must possess strong information literacy and critical thinking abilities. They must be able to locate, evaluate, and apply information responsibly. Critical thinking empowers citizens to address complex challenges, challenge assumptions, and make well-informed decisions.
• Social and Cultural Transformation: Knowledge societies promote social and cultural transformation by promoting inclusion, empowerment, and diversity. Access to knowledge fosters equality, dismantles traditional power imbalances, and encourages cultural exchange and dialogue. These changes contribute to building cohesive and democratic societies.
• Ethical Considerations: The generation, dissemination, and application of knowledge in a knowledge society are guided by moral considerations. Research integrity, intellectual honesty, data privacy, and responsible use of emerging technologies are emphasised. Ethical frameworks ensure that knowledge is applied to serve the collective good.