Global knowledge? Cooperation and conflict in the post-hegemonic era: Facing the pandemic crisis

Abstract

In recent decades, we have witnessed the consolidation of the knowledge society, based on a process of globalization, which promotes the consolidation of the knowledge economy as an emerging paradigm, as well as promoting new dynamics of scientific cooperation, especially from the European Union to the rest of the world. Agreements, summits, and a network of science diplomacy have been set up reflecting the impact of knowledge on new development models. From this process, conceived as a catalyst for value chains based on knowledge intensity, it is possible to glimpse new power conflicts related to other recent conflicts for economic and political hegemony on a global scale. This study aims to analyze countries’ behavior vis-à-vis the global threat of the COVID 19 pandemic, based on the correlation between their ability to face it and their levels of knowledge-based development as a differentiating element in terms of vulnerability. The results show a process where scientific cooperation has given way to a field of geopolitical competition between the actors of the international system, affecting their levels of vulnerability to global threats.

Evaluating the Knowledge Economies within the European Union: A Global Knowledge Index Ranking via Entropy and CRADIS Methodologies

“…Regression analysis revealed a significant impact of this indicator on the GKI. Miranda [1] conducted an analysis of the GKI's trajectory during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on its implications for the vulnerability of certain countries in developing their knowledge economies. The pandemic period marked a transition from scientific cooperation to geopolitical competition, with nations utilizing the situation to fortify their knowledge-based positions, often at others' expense.…”

“…The literature demonstrates several prevailing approaches in the utilization of the GKI. The first is the comprehensive application of the GKI in research [1,3]. Another method involves integrating GKI indicators as variables in studies [11,12].…”

“…In the contemporary global landscape, knowledge is increasingly recognized as a vital resource for fostering sustainable development, enhancing competitiveness, and driving innovation. The concept of the knowledge economy has emerged as a significant paradigm, shaping new dynamics in scientific collaboration both within the EU and globally [1]. The EU, distinguished by its political and economic stature, is actively engaged in promoting advancement across various sectors among its member states.…”