About me

Welcome! I have been writing in this space since November 2002 about knowledge work, knowledge management, and the ways we develop tools and strategies to navigate a networked world. My background is in electronic engineering and philosophy of science, which reflects the crossroads I like to be on; people and the technology they use. I consider myself to be a networked individual, working in a networked world. I spend my time with different groups in different settings, but on topics that feel very much connected, at least to me. They feel connected because whatever it is I am doing, I am always passionate about increasing people's ability to act (my working definition of knowledge), and increasing their ability to change (my working definition of learning).

tonzijlstra.eu
I am a self-employed and independent consultant on knowledge work, learning and social media. I own my own job, and seek out others in my network to form context-specific teams when needed. In short I work in networked structures. In the past few years I have been working on projects for Dutch government ministries, large commercial enterprises as well as SME's and non-profits. I am also regular speaker on (international) conferences on the use of social media for knowledge work and learning.

Cognitive Edge Network
I am a member of the Cognitive Edge Network. Cognitive Edge provides answers and methods to flourish in an increasingly networked and hightly connected world. Cognitive Edge is focused on rejuvenating management practices to better equip organisations when addressing intractable problems or seizing new opportunities in uncertain and complex situations.  Where traditional approaches have failed to deliver success, Cognitive Edge techniques enable the emergence of fresh and insightful solutions seen from multiple perspectives. Cognitive Edge solutions, comprised of open source methods, original research and the Cognitive Edge SenseMaker™ Software Suite, are delivered through the Cognitive Edge Network. The Cognitive Edge Network is a widely dispersed, cohesive Network of experienced professionals in private and public sector organisations from diverse disciplines with deep-rooted experience in both business and science. It includes academics and practitioners, and commercial consultants.  Membership of the Network is attained through participation in an Accreditation programme.

Medinge Group
The Medinge Group is a not-for-profit branding think tank which aims to influence businesses to become more human and humane. Our conceptual work is complemented by a for-profit arm called The Medinge Consulting Group, which builds bespoke branding teams from the ranks of our members for a range of international clients.   Every year Medinge sponsors the Brands with a Conscience awards programme. Directors and members of the Medinge Group nominate companies noteworthy for their contribution to the betterment of society through sustainable, socially responsible and humanistic behaviour.

FabLab Foundation Netherlands
FabLabs are workshops that put industrial machines into the hands of individuals. It is the digital revolution of production, and it does for production what social media does for sharing and publishing. Each FabLab (40 worldwide, 4 in the Netherlands) has its own characteristics and they also form a network. Through the network designs are shared, which can be produced in the local context with materials at hand there. I am a boardmember of the Dutch FabLab Foundation, and work on network- and community-development.