Knowledge’s Own Country

On February 9, 2021, the Indian state of Kerala launched the ‘Kerala Knowledge Mission’[i]. According to media sources, the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC), a strategic think tank and advisory body established by the state government, is leading the mission[ii]. The stated aims also involve transforming Kerala into a ‘knowledge economy’.

In the modern digital world that is yet recovering from a pandemic, any paradigm that helps in creating jobs is welcome. Thus, it would be useful to understand what a ‘knowledge economy’ entails.

According to the World Bank, “A knowledge economy is one that creates, disseminates, and uses knowledge to enhance its growth and development.”[iii] According to a 2005 University of California document, “Knowledge is defined as information given meaning and integrated with  other contents of understanding.”[iv]

Now, what is information?

A prominent definition that Merriam-Webster Online provides is that information is “knowledge obtained from investigation, study, or instruction”[v]. And one of the synonyms provided is ‘data’. And when the definition of data is checked, the first definition that Merriam-Webster Online provides says, “factual information (such as measurements or statistics) used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation.”[vi]

Noticed closely, the terms ‘knowledge’, ‘information’ and ‘data’ appear to be cross-referencing each other. In essence, they point to a perception framework that enhances understanding or insights about something under consideration. Thus, knowledge is tied to greater awareness.

Thus, what is a ‘knowledge economy’ then? I think a knowledge economy is something that can use all tools at its disposal to raise awareness about how problems faced by societies, companies, families and individuals can be solved more effectively than before. Put simply – innovation!

If that is achieved, then the beautiful state of Kerala will be hailed not just as ‘God's Own Country’, but as ‘Knowledge’s Own Country’, too.

REFERENCES:

[i] https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/kerala-cm-launches-knowledge-mission/2026554

[ii] https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2021/feb/10/kerala-knowledge-mission-launched-2261914.html

[iii] https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/2424/536450PUB0Inno101Official0use0Only1.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

[iv] https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1082014.pdf

[v] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/information

[vi] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/data