Our world is ready to change

A sneak preview of the next Renaissance

We show why a large, Renaissance-like change is ready to happen as soon as we begin to federate knowledge or 'connect the dots'. Our theme is of course far too big and too multifaceted for a short essay. So all we can afford here is a sneak preview. We begin by pointing to the key ideas of the giants who in our view merit to be the icons of knowledge federation and systemic innovation. Then we show how the applications of those key ideas on the one side, and the unbelievable way we've mishandled them so far on the other, naturally lead to a more comprehensive change.

We'll here approach the theme of the genesis of a new approach to knowledge and creative work in general from an entirely different angle – from the point of view of social re-organization of the institutional and other structures; and by looking at the technology that may enable a radical change. So think about the invention of the printing press; it made knowledge work so much more efficient, that it is often considered to be the major contributing factor to the deep societal changes that follow – and which we now want to see happening again in our time. Think about the steam engine, which ignited the Industrial Revolution and the creation of machines that changed our world beyond recognition. Think, further about our task of turning the socio-technical candles into light bulbs. What might correspond to the electricity? What principle of operation might lead to such a pivotal change?

An informed approach to contemporary issues

What can we do that can make a large-enough difference? We show that when we begin to weave the insights across the academic disciplines and other relevant fields, not only do the problems and the answers become clear – but we also begin to see solutions and courses of action that are surprising, that bring vibrance and new life into our struggle with problems. But isn't that what the large paradigm changes are all about?</div> </div>