A Knowledge Framework for Development - Empirical Investigation of 30 Societies

In this article we investigate the diverse dimensions of a knowledge society. First, we review the relevant literature on post industrial societies to identify the key constituents of successful growth and development. Then we propose a 10-dimension framework within political, economic, social and technological parameters that describe the state of evolution of a given knowledge society. Knowledge assessment scores, human development indices, technology readiness scores and competitiveness scores are selected as composite indicators of knowledge societies. Proxy indicators are assigned for the dimensions, and secondary data was gathered from reputed international sources. Partial Pearson Correlation Analysis was done between the proxy indicators and the composite scales to determine the direction and strength of relationships. Since these measures are from independent and authoritative sources, we claim face and construct validity. Hygiene factors and competitive factors of a knowledge society are distilled from the empirical results and recommendations are suggested to address some areas of concern when pursuing policies for knowledge based development