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"Global Knowledge Society and Information Technology" published on by Oxford University Press.

As global and regional networks proliferate, one important aspect of their operations has been the exchange of knowledge, information and expertise. 'Global knowledge networks' have become important components of the global political economy. Within these networks key knowledge institutions and actors can be development agencies, foundations, think‐tanks, universities, consultancy firms as well as individual experts and academics. A primary mechanism for the spread of their knowledge has been through global and regional networks. The article evaluates first, concepts of networks, especially the epistemic community and transnational issue network frameworks; second, theories about international diffusion of ideas; and third, some of the literature on the links between ideas and politics. Control over knowledge and information is important to policy making. Additionally, the status and prestige associated with scholarly expertise and professional training is politically empowering for individual experts consulted or co‐opted into policy making. Yet, norms and values cannot be divorced from 'scientific advice' especially when knowledge gains greater impact through advocacy and alliance with societal forces.

Global knowledge flows are becoming a key driver of economic development. They encourage the inflow of new ideas and enable domestic innovation to be better exploited overseas. How can countries develop effective policies to reap the benefits that they bring?This publication is based on a study led by the Local Economic and Employment Development (LEED) Programme of the OECD in collaboration with Scottish Enterprise, the principal economic development agency for Scotland

Global Knowledge Dynamics and Social Technology -- Prologue: How to Unleash the True Momentum of Knowledge! -- Note -- Contents -- List of Figures -- List of Tables -- 1 Introduction: Le Vie Della Passione -- Notes -- References -- Part I Ties That Bind -- 2 The Eternal Contest -- Notes -- References -- 3 In Languages We Trust -- Notes -- References -- Part II Nodes in Motion -- 4 What Knowledge Grows? -- Notes -- References -- 5 This is Propagation -- Notes -- References -- Part III Orders of Magnitude -- 6 Most Valuable Products -- Notes -- References -- 7 When Diversity Strikes -- Notes -- References -- Part IV Epilogue -- 8 Complexity and Simplicity -- Notes -- References -- Acknowledgments -- Note -- Index

Knowledge has been widely recognised as the most important factor of production in a "new economy". The production, dissemination and utilisation of knowledge are therefore essential for development. Some countries, Malaysia among others, have embarked on an ambitious plan to use knowledge as a base for economic development, by-passing earlier stages of industrialisation. Some commentators have, in contrast, asserted "that it is doubtful that the knowledge revolution will let developing countries leapfrog to higher levels of development" as "the knowledge economy will actually expand the gap between rich and poor" (Persaud, 2001:108). The paper discusses this controversy by arguing that the knowledge-gap (k-gap) is in fact a precondition for development. It is, however, no natural phenomenon but it is constructed by experts and governments. Socio-economic indicators are used to show that the existing global knowledge gap is widening between Southeast Asia and the OECD countries and within ASEAN. Malaysia, whose government has pursued a vigorous strategy of knowledge development is moving ahead of other ASEAN nations, but falling behind industrialised countries. Factors explaining the situation are outlined in this article.