Systemic approaches to knowledge development and application

Abstract

Purpose

This essay aims to focus on the development and application of knowledge within competitive national and global contexts. Systems thinking concepts are used to define and further explore three plausible pathways for future knowledge development and application.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is anticipatory, utilizing a dynamic knowledge development and application framework based on three futures‐relevant systems paradigms: mechanical (conservatively repetitive), evolutionary (self‐organizing), and teleogenic (purposively creative).

Findings

The article projects three heuristic MET archetypes depicting logical paths of knowledge development and application from now to 2025.

Originality/value

The MET framework provides a systems‐language descriptive means for understanding and engaging in an expanding ecology of educational and new knowledge development options.

Citation

Harkins, A.M. and Moravec, J.W. (2011), "Systemic approaches to knowledge development and application", On the Horizon, Vol. 19 No. 2, pp. 127-133. https://doi.org/10.1108/10748121111138326