THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY: THE APPLICABLE "STEPS" IN BRAZILIAN RECYCLING

Abstract

With the emergence of new paradigms in social and labor relations, material goods or the assets of a company were previously valued. However, today, in addition, it is also considered that knowledge (in innovations, technology, experience, trade secrets, among others) adds value to an institution. Thus, this research seeks to detail the phenomenon of the knowledge economy, from the perspectives of work, education, environment and innovation, in addition to relating this concept to the activity of collecting recyclable materials. The problem question developed to start the reflections was: How does the knowledge economy relate to and positively influence work activities such as the collection of recyclable materials? The general objective is to understand how knowledge, experience and innovations are fundamental for the improvement of processes and work in industries and organizations, here, specifically, the recycling industry. The specific objectives focus on: detailing the emergence of the concept of the "Knowledge Economy"; understand how the knowledge economy relates to aspects of education, work and the environment; understand the concept of social innovation and how it applies to third sector organizations; and to know the "Steps of Knowledge" applied to the activity of recycling materials. The methodology was an analysis of the recurrent literature related to the theme of the knowledge economy and the recycling industry. It is thus concluded that workers in this field make up the large group of Brazilians in the condition of informality and social exclusion and rights, and that is why the discussion addressed here is so important, believing that the condition of these recycling workers continues to be extremely devalued, despite being so important, both for society and for the environment.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2025.011-014