Relevant is perhaps the key word; if the decision is based upon a ‘vertical’ orientation, information that is outside of the ‘vertical’ is dismissed. A fatal flaw, if the decisions that are being made affect individuals outside of the ‘vertical’.
Today we are besieged with spin, polls and reports that are written to carry a political message. We are operating in the “Noise and mis-information” level of the pyramid. The Smart Region incorporates the Regional Monitor which hopefully will at least reach the Information level. Knowledge will only be achieved if all relevant, objectively collected data, is processed by leaders that are committed to the pursuit of the common good.
Until we break out of the Industrial Age paradigm, it will be impossible to move forward. The new focus on Community Development is becoming more apparent but it continues to be done within the context of an Economic Development model that looks at activity as a zero sum game. It is not. Once the Smart Region is properly defined, we can begin to identify synergies that can actually solve problems.