The End of the Knowledge Society: Embracing the Data-Driven Future

The thesis that the knowledge society (as first described by Peter Drucker in 1969) is coming to an end and will be replaced by a “data society” based on value creation through AI and data involves several aspects that need to be examined from different perspectives. Some parts of this statement are supported by current developments and scientific studies, while other parts require more nuanced or critical consideration.

1. End of the Knowledge Society

Knowledge Society according to Peter Drucker

Peter Drucker coined the term "knowledge society" to describe the growing importance of knowledge and education as central resources for economic success. In the knowledge society, the handling of knowledge (creating, spreading, organizing) is seen as a key economic factor. Many economists and sociologists agree that the transition to a knowledge society was primarily shaped by industrialization and digitalization.

Counterpoint: However, there are indications that the concept of the knowledge society might continue, albeit in a different form: It is less about accumulated knowledge and more about access to knowledge and the processing of data. As such, knowledge will remain a resource but within a different context, where data processing, machine learning, and AI are critical tools for generating new knowledge.

Literature:

• Webster, F. (2002). Theories of the Information Society. Routledge.
• Stehr, N. (1994). Knowledge Societies. Sage Publications.

2. Rise of the Data Society

Data Society as Successor to the Knowledge Society

The thesis that the “data society” will replace the knowledge society aligns with current trends in the use of AI and data analysis. The exponential growth of data, combined with increasingly powerful AI systems, has led to new forms of value creation where data is considered the "new oil" (Mayer-Sch?nberger & Cukier, 2013). Companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon have built their business models on collecting and leveraging vast amounts of data.

Supporting Arguments:

• In the "data society," the value of knowledge is no longer primarily generated by humans, but by the ability to efficiently analyze large datasets and extract insights.
• Technologies such as machine learning, neural networks, and Big Data enable the recognition of patterns in data and the generation of new information for strategic decision-making.

Literature:

• Mayer-Sch?nberger, V., & Cukier, K. (2013). Big Data: A Revolution That Will Transform How We Live, Work, and Think. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
• Brynjolfsson, E., & McAfee, A. (2014). The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies. W.W. Norton & Company.

3. Automation of Knowledge Work by AI

Desk-based Tasks and AI Takeover

A core aspect of the argument is that many tasks currently performed by humans will be taken over by AI in the future. There is substantial evidence for this: Studies from McKinsey, PwC, and the World Economic Forum suggest that jobs based on repetitive, structured knowledge work are particularly vulnerable to automation.

Supporting Arguments:

• AI-driven automation can take over repetitive administrative and analytical tasks, leading to efficiency gains.
• The McKinsey Global Institute found in a study (2017) that around 50% of the tasks performed today could be automated by existing technologies.

Literature:

• McKinsey Global Institute (2017). Jobs Lost, Jobs Gained: Workforce Transitions in a Time of Automation.
• World Economic Forum (2020). The Future of Jobs Report.

4. Collaborative and Creative Activities as Human Domains

Inspiration and Human Interaction as Value Creation

The statement suggests that in a world where AI handles much of the knowledge work, human value will primarily lie in collaborative, creative, and inspiring interactions. This view is supported by research in creativity and social innovation: KIs (AI systems) are currently (and probably will remain for some time) less capable of handling creative processes, inspiration, or emotional intelligence in the same way humans do.

Supporting Arguments:

• While AI can identify patterns in data, creative or emotional decisions and innovations are still areas where humans have an advantage (Florida, 2002).
• Research on emotional intelligence shows that interpersonal skills, such as empathy and motivation, will become increasingly important in future work environments (Goleman, 2006).

Literature:

• Florida, R. (2002). The Rise of the Creative Class: And How It's Transforming Work, Leisure, Community, and Everyday Life. Basic Books.
• Goleman, D. (2006). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.

5. Home Office as a "Relic without Value Creation Power"

Home Office and Productivity

The claim that the home office is a "relic without value creation power" is largely contradicted by current research. Numerous studies show that remote work does not necessarily reduce productivity. In fact, many companies found during the COVID-19 pandemic that productivity remained stable or even increased. However, it is also emphasized that, in the long run, social interactions and creativity processes may be limited by remote work.

Counterpoints:

• Studies from PwC, Microsoft, and Stanford show that remote work functions well for certain types of jobs, but creative exchange and innovation are often fostered by physical proximity and spontaneous interactions.
• While long-term remote work may allow for efficiency, it could come at the expense of team dynamics and innovation.

Literature:

• Bloom, N., et al. (2015). Does Working from Home Work? Evidence from a Chinese Experiment. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 130(1), 165-218.
• PWC (2021). US Remote Work Survey.

Conclusion

The statement that the knowledge society is coming to an end and being replaced by a data society driven by AI-based data analysis is partially supported by current developments in data processing and AI. The automation of knowledge work will continue to increase, but creative and interpersonal skills will remain the domain of humans. Regarding the home office, there is ample evidence that it can enhance productivity in many contexts, although physical interaction will continue to play a crucial role in creativity and innovation.