The Knowledge Ecosystem Infographic

The Knowledge Ecosystem. What is a knowledge ecosystem. Knowledge ecosystem. a complex, self-organising system of people interacting with each other and their knowledge and technical environments for growing collective intelligence and capabilities. [1] Ecosystem elements. Knowledge ecosystem comprise three interlinked elements, continuously evolving in a dynamic cycle. People the conversations people have with each other, which are continuously fed by technology knowledge repositories and databases, communication systems and tools, which is supported by knowledge of what, who, why, how, where and when, which helps to facilitate people. Key characteristics. A knowledge ecosystem is. Agile. Natural. Free-flowing. Adaptive. Resilient. Collaborative. The benefits of a knowledge ecosystem approach. greater retention and preservation of knowledge and expertise. Increased opportunities for learning across the organization. Improved cross-functional collaboration. Better communication and sharing of information. Improved problem-solving and decision-making. Higher levels of innovation. Streamlined operations and reduced costs. Increased productivity. All of which enable business leaders to improve their competitive intelligence and, ultimately, their organization’s competitive advantage. [2] Five steps for cultivating a knowledge ecosystem. One. Culture. Create a culture of sharing and collaboration. Embed the principles of knowledge sharing in organizational strategy, and encourage learning through collaboration. Two. Leadership. Lead by example. Actively support knowledge sharing by. Keeping up to date with what’s happening elsewhere in the organization. Communicating frequently and openly with team members. Three. Technology. Ensure your IT systems, technologies and applications are robust and up to date, including the procedures and rules for using them. And provide appropriate training too. Remember. technology only enables knowledge sharing, it’s not the solution. Four. Communication. Productive conversations lie at the heart of the knowledge ecosystem. Create opportunities for people to communicate and share knowledge in as many ways as possible between peers, departments, management layers. For example, through. Meetings. Network events. Telephone conversations. Social media. Email. Online communities of practice. Five. People. Arguably the most important component of all knowledge ecosystems. In a knowledge ecosystem, people abandon the notion that knowledge is power, everyone must be encouraged to. share their ideas freely with each other. Use knowledge offered by others. Continuously gather and improve upon their knowledge and that of their team. See team mates as collaborators rather than competitors. Focus on the team rather than individual achievement. In conclusion. Knowledge does not exist in isolation. By collaborating and sharing knowledge freely, individuals and organizations unite in an ecosystem of learning and knowledge, each adding their own unique value to help achieve an organization’s strategic goals.

References
[1] Commons Rising, ‘What is a knowledge ecosystem and the virtuous cycle of its formation’. Available at http://commonsrising.com/group/knowledge-ecosystem/page/what-is-a-knowledge-ecosystem-and-the-virtuous-cycle-of-its-formation (accessed 24 August 2016).
[2] Donovan A. McFarlane, ‘Leadership and the Knowledge Ecosystem’ (2010). Available at: http://www.tlainc.com/articl244.htm (accessed 24 Augst 2015).

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