Sustainable development: Ignorance is fatal: what don't we know?

Purpose – The purpose of the article is to highlight areas of potential research which will provide a deeper understanding of sustainable development and allow a more structured approach to the development of knowledge in such a broad topic. Design/methodology/approach – The approach has been to identify the philosophy of Herman Dooyeweerd and his theory of the cosmos as a means by which knowledge can be gained, understood and developed. This approach has allowed a useful framework to be developed which provides a checklist, a deep understanding and a place to structure and place emerging knowledge. It also allows some understanding of the strength of the interrelationships between modalities which contribute to sustainable development. Findings – The findings are still being investigated but several case studies have been undertaken which suggest that this philosophical approach is a useful way forward. Research limitations/implications – The research is the development of a methodology and as such will develop and emerge over time. In this connection the article suggests four areas namely “time”, information technology, democratisation, and implementation which pervade the whole framework and provide the context in which evaluation can be studied. Practical implications – The framework should be sufficiently robust to deal with all issues related to sustainable development but the level at which it can be used will depend on the knowledge of the user. Social implications – The framework has been designed to allow all stakeholders to make a contribution at whatever level they feel is appropriate. In this sense it should harmonise knowledge between all participants. Originality/value – The approach is original and has been developed into a book which provided a basis for discussion by the universities of the G8, G20 countries for their declaration developed in Turin 2009 which was then passed to the heads of state meeting in that year.