JUCS - Journal of Universal Computer Science 17(3): 472-497, doi: 10.3217/jucs-017-03-0472
Pragmatic Knowledge Services
expand article infoMikko Pohjola, Pasi Pohjola§, Sami Paavola|, Merja Bauters, Jouni Tuomisto
‡ National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland§ National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland| University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland¶ Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki, Finland
Open Access
Abstract
Knowledge, innovations and their implementation in effective practices are essential for development in all fields of societal action, e.g. policy, business, health, education, and everyday life. However, managing the interrelations between knowledge, innovation and practice is complicated. Facilitation by suitable knowledge services is needed. This paper explores the theory of converging knowledge, innovation, and practice, discusses some advances in information systems development, and identifies general requirements for pragmatic knowledge services. A trialogical approach to knowledge creation and learning is adopted as a viable theoretical basis. Also three examples of novel knowledge services Opasnet, Innovillage, and Knowledge Practices Environment (KPE), are presented. Eventually, it is concluded that pragmatic knowledge services, as hybrid systems of information technology and its users, are not only means for creation of practical knowledge, but vehicles of a cultural change from individualistic perceptions of knowledge work towards mediated collaboration.
Keywords
collective knowledge, trialogical approach, innovation, knowledge practices, pragmatism, collaborative knowledge services, open assessment, Opasnet, Innovillage, KP-Lab, KPE