Applying knowledge management strategies to economic development in sub-Saharan Africa
Loading...
Date
2011-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zululand
Abstract
Sustainability looks to achieve best outcomes for human and natural environments both now and in the indefinite future.
It relates to the continuity of economic, social, institutional and environmental aspects of human society, as well as the
non-human environment. This paper examines economic development as one aspect of sustainability, with a focus on
knowledge management as an economic development strategy. Using Grey’s categories of knowledge management, the
authors address sustainable economic development in the context of sub-Saharan Africa. Production capability is no
longer completely dependent on capital and equipment; information and knowledge assets are increasingly important. In
this information economy, success comes from harnessing the information and knowledge of a community. Such
“indigenous knowledge,” local and often tacit, exists in every community, every region and every country. This knowledge
is useful in identifying new entrepreneurial opportunities, as well as for sustaining and advancing local businesses. SubSaharan Africa provides an excellent case study. No other region of the world is in more dire need of development. The
700 million people in this area face tremendous challenges, including the world’s highest incidence of HIV/AIDS, deep
poverty, unemployment, political instability, and a host of related problems. Key factors for using knowledge management
as an economic development strategy in the region will include ICT (Information and Communication Technologies)
literacy; uncovering and developing local intellectual assets; capturing tacit knowledge; internal and external knowledge
sharing; and managing political, social and technological barriers. Other specific recommendations include promoting ICT
literacy through training programs; leveraging internet and email technologies for community building; investing financial
resources in R & D; and developing metrics for outcome assessment
Description
Peer reviewed article published under Inkanyiso, Volume 3, Issue 2, Jan 2011, p. 140 - 147
Keywords
Knowledge management, economic development, Sub-Saharan Africa, economic development strategies
Citation
Cortez, E.M., Britz, J. and Mullins, P., 2011. Applying knowledge management strategies to economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. Inkanyiso: Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(2), pp.140-147.