The Drive to Codify: Implications for the Knowledge-based Economy

Abstract

This paper critically explores the forces driving the codification of knowledge, together with the implications of codification for the evolution of the knowledge-based economy. It is argued that tacit knowledge is neglected in the drive to codify with important consequences for the process of knowledge creation and innovation. The drive to codify knowledge is briefly considered in the context of higher education and then through the practice of knowledge management within firms. The paper is exploratory in nature and seeks to outline policy concerns and directions for further research.