Driving forces behind the development and stabilization of Knowledge Organization Systems in Digital environments

Abstract

The emergence of Digital Ecosystems can be endorsed by creating shared conceptualizations. Knowledge Organization Systems (KOS) form a backbone of organizing knowledge. Focusing in developing KOS and having its present and future requirements in mind would eventually support knowledge sharing and learning at collective level. Three types of KOS are distinguished: a) private level KOS; b) arbitrary KOS; c) methodic KOS. Knowledge Maturing can be described as goal-oriented learning on a collective level. In line with the knowledge maturing model, we assume that stabilizing and dynamic forces co-exist in all organizations which seek a dynamic equilibrium between further development and stabilization. Identifying and measuring these forces would help in the effective development of Knowledge Organization Systems and consequently support planning and development of information systems. © IFIP International Federation for Information Processing 2013.