“Knowledge economy” as Ideology

Knowledge is increasingly regarded as something that is a competitive advantage. It is true that the world economy is moving towards a knowledge economy. In that framework specific forms and schemas which characterized the tradition mode of knowledge have been altered to inter-disciplinarity and heterogeneity. The term “Knowledge –based economy” stems from a broader view of knowledge which is recognized as the driver of productivity and economic growth, leading to a new focus on the role of information and learning.

Knowledge is being codified through information technology in a way that a new form of knowledge including skills to use and adapt the already existing knowledge is emerging.

This knowledge is slightly changing the traditional paradigm of society’s attitude towards codified knowledge that characterizes universities and research institutes so far. The science system, especially public research laboratories and institutes of higher education carries out key functions in the knowledge – based economy including knowledge production, transmission and transfer.

The alteration of social and scientific approach of knowledge during the last two decades (1990 and 2000) has been influenced by the radical ideological transformations following the emergence of globalization. The competitiveness of the global market influenced the way academia has functioned through economies. The transfer of market terms inside the academia life changed everything and brought up a new historical paradigm.

Our understanding of what is happening in the knowledge – based economy is constrained by the extent and quality of the available knowledge – related indicators. For the first time global market’s indicators are been connected to academia’ processes indicators. Indicators like R&D expenditures, research personnel, knowledge networks and human capital skills are transforming the way we are thinking of Knowledge.

Knowledge is now a tool for the business and state stakeholders and academic disciplines are not standing alone anymore. Immanuel Kant’s division between the tool and the ultimate focus inside society has disappeared and a new schema that is characterized by utilization concept has emerged.