The Terminology of Knowledge for Sustainable Development

The document establishes a conceptual framework for knowledge management within the context of sustainable development, distinguishing between data, information, and knowledge. It categorizes knowledge into explicit, tacit, and implicit types and provides a detailed typology of collaborative relationships, ranging from internal management networks to global action networks. Additionally, it inventories communication approaches—categorized as 'many to many', 'one to many', and 'one to one'—and discusses the role of 'Open Content' in democratizing knowledge sharing.

• The document distinguishes between data, information, and knowledge based on the level of processing and interpretation. Data is a 'gathered body of facts', information is 'Organized and processed data for communication to others', and knowledge is information that is 'received and interpreted by an individual or group to increase understanding or to apply to a task'.
• Knowledge is categorized into three types: explicit knowledge, which can be 'written down, recorded or codified'; tacit knowledge, which is the 'understanding of how to do things' and is created through 'personal trial, error, reflection and revision'; and implicit knowledge, which relates to an individual's 'culture and values' and 'contextual surroundings'.
• The guide differentiates between knowledge management and knowledge mobilization. Knowledge management is an 'internal management tool to strengthen operational efficiency' focused on gathering and analyzing an organization's own resources. In contrast, knowledge mobilization focuses on how 'external knowledge (outside of the organization) is sought out and combined with internal knowledge' to serve target users.
• Collaborative relationships are classified into a typology that includes 'Communities of practice', which are voluntary and primarily 'build capacity'; 'Knowledge networks', which are 'purpose driven' to influence policies and practices 'outside of the network'; and 'Multi-stakeholder partnerships', which involve 'private, public and civil society institutions' to translate political commitments into action.
• Communication approaches are divided into three primary models: 'many to many' (group processes based on participation and joint problem-solving), 'one to many' (dissemination of information to a broad audience), and 'one to one' or 'a few to a few' (restricted communications designed to create 'safe spaces' for risk-taking and efficiency).
• The document highlights 'Open Content' as an ideology of collaboration that promotes the 'democratization of knowledge-sharing' by granting broader rights for the use of ideas and practices, thereby reducing the barriers created by 'Commercial control of intellectual property rights'.

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} }