ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the subject of knowledge in a systematic way. The knowledge of people is rooted in their cognition, with the brain providing the physiological–neurological basis. It is important to render explicitly the conceptual classification and (inter)relations of organisations, processes and knowledge. Data, information and knowledge can be considered as the parts of a three-stage rocket. Knowledge assumes information and information in turn assumes data. Data are the facts of reality. If data are interpreted in an explicit way we speak of information. If this information is used by people in reasoning or in performing actions one can speak of knowledge. It is possible to approach innovation within organisations and institutions from a macro-economic perspective. Finally, it can be stated that information and communication technology stimulate codification, but impede perception and, as a consequence, perhaps eventually also impede innovation.
