Knowledge is a Commodity

The philosopher Lyotard proposed that the post-modern condition has, and fundamentally is, a process of, externalizing the learning and teaching of knowledge. For him, the key contributing cause is due to the scientific status and role of informatics. The science that places a reliance of values upon the codification of information; that is; its use, transmission and method of production (as an example see the mission statement of the IFIP Technical Committee). Perhaps the best example of this codification at work is found in the in the role that Requirements fulfils in the production of IT systems. If, externalizing the process of knowledge is the natural part of the post-modern condition, why should we be concerned by this process?

Lyotard argues that the externalizing process of knowledge, fundamentally changes our relation to it and affects all aspects of life today. For instance he argues that “the informational commodity indispensable to productive power – is the ‘major’ stake in the world-wide competition for power”.

Taken from this viewpoint the concept of commoditization of knowledge, binds together product and services in a post-industrial glue that transforms information into an economic resource.