Future-proof Knowledge Management for Regenerative Value Ecosystems

Abstract

Current societal developments increasingly prioritise social well-being and intergenerational responsibility, as evidenced by the growing emphasis on sustainability, circularity, and planetary stewardship. Since contemporary societies depend on knowledge accumulated over time, knowledge management has traditionally drawn on relatively stable repositories of past experience and established insights. However, the transition from linear, single-organisation models of value creation to regenerative, multi-partner value ecosystems challenges these assumptions. In such settings, relevant knowledge is no longer sourced solely from organisational memory but must be continuously generated, validated, and integrated across multiple contexts and stakeholders. This opinion paper argues that the resulting uncertainty amplifies the demands placed on knowledge management. The core challenge extends beyond capturing explicit and tacit knowledge: it lies in combining diverse, context-dependent perspectives into actionable understandings within an evolving social environment. As knowledge requirements become increasingly dynamic, organisations and networks must build resilience and develop the agility to respond to shifting conditions, emerging risks, and evolving societal expectations. We contribute by synthesising key societal developments shaping the knowledge landscape and its related requirements. Additionally, we propose revised principles for knowledge creation, valuation, and use that align with regenerative and circular approaches, and outline mechanisms to address the continuous emergence of new insights necessary for a well-functioning society. Finally, recognising that actors interpret and apply knowledge through the lens of their own contextual realities, we introduce the concept of a future-proof ecosystem orchestrator, also referred to scientifically as a circularity knowledge broker: a facilitating role that supports adaptive knowledge exchange, orchestrates multi-contextual sensemaking, and enables collaboration under conditions of uncertainty. This role is crucial for enhancing the collective capacity to navigate uncertain futures while maintaining social and ecological well-being.