informationknowledge

Informationknowledge is a conceptual term used to describe the relationship between information and knowledge within information science and knowledge management. It refers to how data, information, and knowledge interact across human cognition, organizational processes, and technological systems, and how one stage informs the next in decision making and learning.

Data are raw observations and measurements. Information arises when data are organized, processed, and given context and meaning. Knowledge emerges as information is interpreted, integrated with prior understanding, and applied to action, often reflecting tacit understanding and experience. The term informationknowledge highlights the continuum from data to knowledge, though many scholars view it as a spectrum rather than a strict hierarchy such as the DIKW (data–information–knowledge–wisdom) model, which has faced criticisms about oversimplification.

In practice, informationknowledge guides the design of information systems and knowledge management practices. It underpins data governance, metadata and taxonomy development, and the capture and codification of tacit knowledge to support decision making. Frameworks such as the SECI model (socialization, externalization, combination, internalization) describe knowledge creation through interaction, articulation, and reuse of information.

Across academia and industry, the concept intersects information theory, epistemology, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence. It emphasizes converting data into usable knowledge while accounting for context, interpretation, user needs, and the social processes by which information is created, shared, and applied.