Proposing a fifth generation of knowledge management for development: investigating convergence between knowledge management for development and transdisciplinary research

This paper describes the process of encounter between the field of knowledge management for development (KM4D) and transdisciplinary research which have led to the convergence between the two fields in terms of a focus on real world problems in a complex world; multiple actors; processes and methodologies; and knowledge integration and co-creation. The development of both fields is traced chronologically. The convergence is only between fifth generation KM4D and transdisciplinary research and does not relate to previous generations of KM4D. Despite this increasing convergence between the two fields, KM4D can learn from transdisciplinary approaches in terms of its theoretical underpinning; contribution of new knowledge; an emphasis on the wider systemic issues of knowledge; methodological approaches; and knowledge integration and co-creation.