A community-driven social knowledge management framework for bridging rural–urban knowledge divide using social technology

Abstract

This article illustrates how a social knowledge management (SKM) platform can be conceptualized, developed and implemented that can provide users with multi-community connectivity, making it quicker and easier for members to connect, communicate, collaborate, and learn. By conducting case studies on rural craft producers in West Bengal, India, we have demonstrated how this platform fosters meaningful collaboration among rural artisans and various stakeholders within the craft production system, ultimately resulting in the formation of vibrant virtual communities. The platform promotes purposeful knowledge exchanges among variety of agents, which helps to reduce the knowledge divide and the market isolation that rural artisans experience. The platform enhances inter and intra-group communication that supports rural artisans to establish their independent credibility in their trade without the assistance of intermediaries or middlemen.