Blueprinting a Knowledge Sciences Center to Support a Regional Economy

Abstract

Abstract. As cities and regions transform from an industrial to a knowledge economy, there is a need to build new working relationships among academic, business communities, labor and workforce, civil society, and the technology sector to create Knowledge Cities. A Knowledge City values all kinds of knowledge, is grounded in an economy that runs on knowledge and intellectual capital, and encourages knowledge markets and transactions. The 21st century knowledge economy is dependent upon knowledge cities and regions, representing a major shift from the industrial economy. Transforming an industrial city to a Knowledge City is not a trivial task. It requires that all members of the society make the transition together. Currently, there are no institutions that can facilitate this role. This paper considers how a Knowledge Sciences Center might fulfill that role, and reports on the thoughts of over 200 participants of the Knowledge Sciences Symposium held in Canton, Ohio, and Washington DC in 2013. The paper also references recent initiatives to establish Knowledge Sciences Centers in the Eastern and Midwest regions of the United States. The role of a transformational leader in establishing a Center is also highlighted.