A new epoch in knowledge and decision-making

There comes a time when significant shifts in our world demand that we look again at the models we have lived with for years. For example, it's broadly accepted that the Holocene epoch (marked by the end of the last ice age) has now given way to the Anthropocene epoch  (marked by humanities physical impact on Earth). I don't claim equivalence, but suggest that our knowledge framework also needs a seismic overhaul.

We've modelled the Knowledge and Innovation Network on sound research and practice that takes into account, and differentiates between, explicit/codified knowledge, tacit know-how and networked knowledge. Each 'generation' or mode is equally important, but requires very different approaches to stewardship and leverage.

None of these three modes take into account the enormous impact of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning on decision-making. These are not just technological developments but are impacting trust, 'expertise' and are pervasive. As my colleague Steve Dale puts it:

• Data and technology democratisation is about creating an environment where every person can use data to make better decisions. But are we all competent enough to trust the decisions being made by algorithms we can't see or understand?
• The world of data-driven intelligence is evolving. Big data is now moving from the sole care of data scientists and becoming accessible to employees throughout organisations. The mystique surrounding data analytics is falling away, with sophisticated data visualisation tools designed to let non-technically-minded people understand metrics. Information that supports “good” business or policy decisions is just a click away.
• Algorithms are replacing intuition in terms of establishing “truth”. Algorithmic prediction, which is essentially the use of the available bodies of data in order to predict the future, is replacing expertise inference.

I suggested to my KIN colleagues that we add a fourth column called 'Augmented Knowledge'. A healthy debate followed. In order to settle things, the proposed new framework is shown below. As well as the new fourth column, other proposed changes are shown in bold. What do you think?

The debate will continue at the KIN Winter Workshop on 6th December 'Data driven Decision Making', being chaired by Steve Dale.