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Knowledge Portfolio
Social Learning Cycle
Institutions & Cultures

I-Space Framework

The Information Space, or I-Space (Boisot, 1995, 1998), is a conceptual framework that relates the degree of structure of knowledge (i.e. its level of codification and abstraction) to its diffusibility as that knowledge develops. Tacit knowledge (low codification and abstraction) flows very slowly between agents and often only in face-to-face situations. Codified and abstract knowledge, by contrast, can diffuse rapidly throughout a population, whether such diffusion is desired or not. Extracting value from knowledge is difficult. The structuring of knowledge increases its utility while – on account of its increased diffusibility – simultaneously compromising its scarcity. Thus the value of knowledge goods, in contrast to that of physical goods, is inherently unstable and requires a more dynamic treatment than the latter.

::: What We Do :::
I-Space Institute promotes the concept of strategic management of knowledge. It does this through three distinct activities: research, development, consulting.
The I-Space facilitates the study of knowledge flows in diverse populations of agents – individuals, groups, firms, industries, alliances, etc. It helps us understand how knowledge is generated, diffused, and internalised by them. Portfolios of knowledge assets can be mapped and analysed, social learning processes can be tracked, and knowledge management institutions and cultures can be studied.