Knowledge Ecology

Understanding Innovation in the Age of AI
Erscheinungsjahr 2026
ISBN: 978-981-9250-89-9
Verlag: Springer

Buch, Englisch, 200 Seiten, Format (B × H): 155 mm x 235 mm

This book focuses on understanding innovation through the lens of the knowledge ecosystem, based on the theories of knowledge and knowledge creation. In an era where knowledge fuels economies and innovation determines success, the book presents a paradigm shift in how knowledge is understood and cultivated. Moving beyond traditional knowledge management, the book introduces knowledge ecology—a dynamic, organic approach that views knowledge as an evolving ecosystem rather than a static asset.

Drawing from cognitive science, institutional economics, and biosemiotics, Noboru Konno explores how knowledge is created, transmitted, and regenerated within organizations, cities, and societies. He connects theories of endogenous growth (Romer), institutional innovation (Acemoglu), and knowledge creation (Nonaka) to illustrate how businesses and governments can design environments that foster sustainable innovation.

By integrating design thinking, abduction, and “Ba” (shared context), Konno provides a compelling vision for the future, where companies and cities transcend short-term competition to build ecosystems of lasting value. Whether for a business leader, policymaker, or researcher, this book offers insights on how to harness the power of knowledge for long-term growth and transformation.

Readers can step into the future of innovation, where knowledge breathes, evolves, and drives purposeful change.

Zielgruppe

Research

Autoren/Hrsg.

Konno, Noboru

Fachgebiete

• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Management Forschung & Entwicklung (F&E), Innovation
• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Biowissenschaften Ökologie
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Management Unternehmensführung
• Geowissenschaften Geographie | Raumplanung Regional- & Raumplanung Stadtplanung, Kommunale Planung
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Management Wissensmanagement

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Knowledge Is Alive — Society, Artificial Intelligence, and the Crisis of Knowing.- What Does It Mean to Know? — An Epistemological Turn.- The Latent Power in Knowing — Polanyi, Bergson, and the Deep Sources of Creativity.- Ba: Where Knowledge Is Born — Place, Brain, and Boundary.- The Logic of the Surprising Fact — Abduction and the Birth of Meaning.- How Knowledge Creates Value ? From Economics to Quantum SECI .- Quantum SECI — The Fluid Nature of Knowing.- Knowledge Manufacturing — Where Ideas Make Matter.- When Knowledge Reshapes Institutions — The Rise of the New Knowledge Sector.- The Forest of Knowledge — Biosemiotics and Ecosystems.- Business Ecosystems as Meaning Systems—An Evolutionary View.- Four Perspectives on the City as Knowledge Ecosystem — Serendipity, Rights, Agility, and Convergence.

Über Autor(innen)

Noboru Konno, PhD, Professor Emeritus and Specially Appointed Professor at Tama University Graduate School of Business (MBA, Japan), is a leading authority in Knowledge Ecology, Innovation Management, and Design Thinking. His distinguished career spans academia, business consulting, and organizational strategy, positioning him at the forefront of knowledge-driven innovation, strategic design, and business transformation.
 Dr. Konno’s research and professional contributions focus on how knowledge ecosystems drive sustainable innovation, integrating knowledge management, knowledge creation, and organizational strategy. His pioneering work on the theory of "Ba" and knowledge creation, developed alongside Ikujiro Nonaka, has profoundly influenced organizational learning and innovation strategy worldwide.
Key Areas of Work & Expertise
Knowledge Creation & Innovation Ecosystems – A longtime contributor to the construction of knowledge creation theory, actively promoting its practical applications for knowledge-driven economic and business growth. Pioneer of Knowledge & Design-Based Management – The first in Japan to introduce Knowledge Management, Design Management, Design Thinking, and Business Model Innovation. Purpose Engineering & Innovation Systems – A key figure in the advancement and dissemination of purpose engineering and innovation management systems. Co-Creation & Future Centers – A leading force in developing innovation hubs for companies and governments, with a strong research focus on ‘Ba’ (places for knowledge creation). Urban Innovation & Knowledge Cities – Advisor to major design organizations, contributing to the development of innovation centers and knowledge-driven urban design.
 
Honors & Contributions
Former Specially-Invited Professor at Keio University’s Graduate School of System Design and Management. Chairperson and Director, Japan Innovation Network (JIN) – Spearheading corporate and public sector innovation in Japan and beyond. Founder, Future Center Alliance Japan (FCAJ) – Championing co-creation platforms to foster sustainable business innovation. Founder, EcosyX Lab. Chair of the Japanese national committee for ISO/TC 279; Senior Fellow of the Peter Drucker Society Europe. Former Jury Member, Good Design Award & Global Design Awards – Recognized for expertise in design management. Future Readiness Award Adviser, Thinkers50 (2025). Advisor to major corporations and institutions – Providing expert guidance on knowledge strategy, organizational transformation, and urban knowledge ecosystems. Author & Thought Leader – Contributor to academic and business publications on knowledge creation, Ba, and the future of innovation.
With his deep expertise in Knowledge Ecology, Innovation Systems, and Strategic Design, Dr. Konno provides a unique and actionable framework for leveraging knowledge ecosystems to drive long-term growth, business transformation, and societal impact.