The functions of knowledge management processes in urban impact assessment: the case of Ontario

AbstractAddressing sustainability incorporates multidisciplinary and heterogeneous knowledge that has extended spatial and temporal horizons. Within such context, in contrast to a procedural (prescriptive) approach, a functional or performance-based approach to setting and designing knowledge management process is more suitable. To help set up the functions of knowledge management processes, we examined 30 cases of environmental impact assessment in Ontario, Canada and engaged experts who were involved in these cases. Four main functions are proposed as essential: support the acquisition and use of sustainable knowledge; communicate sustainable practices and harness community input; facilitate coordinated analysis and integrated assessment; and reengineer regulation enforcement to simplify the process. The functions proposed are not intended to be universal, as conditions (legal and technical) will vary from one jurisdiction to another. However, it is hoped that they can be benchmarked by other jurisdictions.