The Triple Helix of Knowledge and the Sustainable Firm Development

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present a new paradigm for knowledge structure and understanding, based on the triple helix metaphor. This new perspective departures from the known-unknown paradigm based on the iceberg metaphor of explicit and tacit knowledge. Also, we would like to demonstrate the power of the new paradigm in promoting organization sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach - My approach is based on a metaphorical analysis of the knowledge concept, and on a theoretical construct based on a new perspective. Cognitive science demonstrated that our thinking and understanding of the real world is based on conceptual metaphors. Knowledge has no referent in the real world and requires metaphors to be conceptualized, defined and used. Today, the most frequently used metaphors are the following: knowledge as a resource, knowledge as flow, and knowledge as an iceberg. These metaphors are based on rational knowledge and Newtonian thinking. The new paradigm is based on the metaphor knowledge as energy, and on thermodynamics. Originality/value - This new paradigm is much more powerful than the previous ones since it allows transformations of different forms of knowledge into other forms of knowledge in an interactive way. The construct of the triple helix of knowledge is not just an extension of the iceberg model but it represents a completely new vision. The new paradigm has got an increased practical value since it correlates better with the knowledge management and leadership, and as a consequence, with the sustainable development of organizations. Practical implications - Since the known-unknown paradigm focuses on rational knowledge, it is best suited for managers in their decision making. Leadership implies not only rational knowledge but also emotional knowledge and spiritual knowledge, and thus it correlates much better with the new construct of the triple helix than the iceberg model. Also, organizational culture is based mostly on emotional and spiritual knowledge and its role in promoting sustainability can be better understood by using the new model of the triple helix of knowledge.