Communities of practice in metrology |
|---|
| Blair Hall |
- Abstract:
- Digital transformation in metrology will entail digitalisation of work practices in national metrology institutes (NMIs). This article argues that communities of practice (CoPs)—informal social structures—play a key role in how NMIs operate, making their dynamics a critical consideration in managing digitalisation. NMI work is empirical in nature, and the knowledge required to perform measurements at the highest level is embedded in practice-based forms within CoPs. However, digitalisation necessitates the development of abstract representations of processes and information. Moreover, scientific knowledge is usually communicated in a formal language using abstract concepts. So, digitalisation of NMI work products may be challenged by the distinction between empirical and abstract modes of knowledge capture. This article explores the conceptual tension between abstract and empirical modes of thought in metrology and the challenge of aligning them in the context of digital transformation. It draws on published anecdotal accounts and the author’s professional experience.
- Download:
- IMEKO-TC6-2025-042.pdf
- DOI:
- 10.21014/tc6-2025.042
- Event details
- IMEKO TC:
- TC6
- Event name:
- TC6 M4Dconf2025
- Title:
2025 IMEKO TC-6 International Conference on Metrology and Digital Transformation
- Place:
- Benevento, ITALY
- Time:
- 03 September 2025 - 05 September 2025