Scoping the Convergences of Knowledge, Technology, Community and Decision-making

This 2004 practice note by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) explores the convergence of knowledge management, information and communications technologies (ICTs), and community engagement. It maps how trends from the private sector, social sciences, and international development are merging to create new forms of governance and knowledge mobilization aimed at sustainable development.

• Knowledge practices in international organizations have evolved from a combination of private sector management, ICT innovations, and consultative international development approaches. These influences include social network analysis, collective ownership of intellectual property, and multistakeholder governance processes.
• The private sector is shifting its approach to knowledge management to include social management skills and citizen engagement, recognizing that ICT tools alone are insufficient. This is driven by experiments in social capital and demands for accountability.
• International development is moving toward a model of mutual knowledge sharing and capacity development that acknowledges the capabilities of the Global South, utilizing new communications technologies to scale these processes.
• The convergence of technology and community has created a paradox for citizens: while they have a greater ability to choose virtual communities of influence, this may lead to increased isolation from physical communities and impact local democratic participation.
• New forms of governance are emerging that are transnational and trans-sectoral, characterized by a shift toward networked governance and multistakeholder initiatives where no single sector is expected to manage the entire value chain.

APA

Creech, H. (2004). Scoping the Convergences of Knowledge, Technology, Community and Decision-making. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_scoping_convergences.pdf

Chicago

Creech, Heather. Scoping the Convergences of Knowledge, Technology, Community and Decision-making. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2004. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_scoping_convergences.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Creech |first1=Heather |title=Scoping the Convergences of Knowledge, Technology, Community and Decision-making |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=2004 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_scoping_convergences.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{creech2004scoping, author = {Creech, Heather}, title = {{Scoping the Convergences of Knowledge, Technology, Community and Decision-making}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2004}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_scoping_convergences.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }