Conceptualizing sustainable development as a global problem: The role of strategic knowledge

Technological innovation and strategic knowledge are crucial to global problem solving. But in the current global governance architecture 'knowledge' is a marginal issue. Classical economic theories do not take into consideration that knowledge is not a public good, free from rival consumption and exclusion. This article briefly outlines the main problems with these approaches and makes an argument for the strategic knowledge that is required for global problem solution. Furthermore it outlines how states can cooperate linking scientific-technological and development cooperation to achieve more sustainable development paths. Evidence derives from bi-and multilateral cooperation experiences from Germany and South Africa