The Terminology of Knowledge for Sustainable Development

This 2005 practice note by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) provides a comprehensive glossary and framework for the terminology used in knowledge management for sustainable development. It distinguishes between data, information, and knowledge, categorizes types of knowledge (explicit, tacit, and implicit), and defines various collaborative relationship models and communication tools used to mobilize knowledge for policy and practice.

• The document establishes a hierarchy of distinctions between data, information, and knowledge. Data is defined as a gathered body of facts; information is data that has been organized and processed for communication; and knowledge is information that is interpreted by a group or individual to increase understanding or apply to a specific task.
• Knowledge is categorized into three distinct types: explicit, tacit, and implicit. Explicit knowledge can be codified or written down. Tacit knowledge is the 'how to' understanding gained through personal experience and trial and error, making it difficult to articulate. Implicit knowledge refers to the culture, values, and normative behaviors that shape an individual's worldview.
• The guide distinguishes between knowledge management and knowledge mobilization. Knowledge management is an internal tool used to improve operational efficiency by organizing an organization's own resources and skills. In contrast, knowledge mobilization focuses on seeking external knowledge and combining it with internal knowledge to create new solutions for target users.
• The document outlines a typology of collaborative relationships, ranging from voluntary 'communities of practice'—which focus on individual capacity building—to 'knowledge networks,' which are purpose-driven and aim to influence policies and practices outside the network. Other models include multi-stakeholder partnerships, which are viewed as key for turning political commitments into action.
• Communications approaches are divided into three categories: 'many to many' (group processes based on participation), 'one to many' (dissemination of information to a broad audience), and 'one to one' or 'a few to a few' (restricted/secure communications designed to create 'safe spaces' for risk-taking and dialogue).
• The document highlights the emergence of 'Open Content' as an ideology of collaboration that challenges commercial control of intellectual property rights (IPR). By allowing authors to share rather than publishers to sell, Open Content is intended to make knowledge-sharing more likely and protect public goods.

APA

Creech, H. (2005). The Terminology of Knowledge for Sustainable Development. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_terminology_k4sd.pdf

Chicago

Creech, Heather. The Terminology of Knowledge for Sustainable Development. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2005. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_terminology_k4sd.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Creech |first1=Heather |title=The Terminology of Knowledge for Sustainable Development |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=2005 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_terminology_k4sd.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{creech2005terminology, author = {Creech, Heather}, title = {{The Terminology of Knowledge for Sustainable Development}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2005}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_terminology_k4sd.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }