Joseph Olorunyomi, Cofounder, Accomplishr | Advocate for the Creator Economy and Knowledge Commerce.
Back in the 1800s, fortune seekers from around the world descended upon California, lured by the promise of gold buried in riverbeds and mountainsides. Today, there’s a new kind of gold rush. But this time, it’s not about precious metals. It’s about something far more powerful: knowledge.
We live in a time when ideas beat inventory, and the right insight can be more valuable than an entire supply chain. Whether you’re an established business leader in Silicon Valley or running a solo venture from your hometown, the shift is undeniable: Knowledge, when shared strategically, is one of the most lucrative assets of the modern age.
The knowledge economy is here—and it’s thriving.
For years, we’ve heard the phrase “knowledge economy” tossed around in boardrooms and think tanks. Today, it’s no longer theoretical—it’s foundational. In 1975, intangible assets like software, patents and intellectual property made up just 17% of the total value of S&P 500 companies. By 2020, that number had skyrocketed to more than 90%, according to research by Ocean Tomo.
What changed? Companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon built empires not only on their visible products like search or e-commerce but on the strength of their knowledge: algorithms, proprietary data and systems that interpret human behavior at scale.
Google’s advertising revenue was $237.86 billion in 2023, for instance, but the value is not just in offering a platform to place ads but also unique insights into what users are searching for and how they are searching. Meta monetizes attention using predictive engagement algorithms, determining what content keeps users scrolling. Amazon uses AI recommendation engines and algorithms to drive sales and efficiency.
In today’s economy, knowledge isn’t just power—it’s productized, scaled and monetized.
Insight Beats Information
We’re constantly told that “data is the new oil.” But raw data without interpretation is like a map without a key. The real value lies in understanding.
AI has accelerated this shift. Sure, models like GPT-4 can analyze vast amounts of information in seconds. But without human judgment—without the nuance of experience and context—the output often falls flat.
Take Salesforce. They no longer consider their product just a CRM—they consider it a customer insight engine. AI tools like Einstein GPT can help businesses transition from data collection to actionable decisions. The focus isn’t just on what customers do but on why.
Accenture has also pivoted. Their strategy centers on helping companies become “data-led,” turning data into stories, strategies and measurable growth. It’s no longer about dashboards; it’s about transformation.
In today’s knowledge economy, insight beats information. The winners aren’t those with the most data—but those who know what to do with it.
Knowledge is earning power.
Another sign that knowledge is gold? People are paying for it.
Platforms like the one I cofounded, Accomplishr, curate thought leaders and experts who share insights through paid virtual events, one-on-one sessions and classes. Other companies are thriving with this model:
• Substack has over 50 million subscriptions, including five million paid.
• Patreon has paid out more than $8 billion to creators, many focused on educational content.
• Maven’s courses can earn upwards of $100,000.
Business leaders and individuals have opportunities to monetize their knowledge without institutions or intermediaries. In the past, expertise was certified by diplomas or company titles. Now? A thoughtful LinkedIn post or viral TikTok can attract more attention than an MBA. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, designer, startup coach or self-taught analyst, you can monetize insights directly.
Li Jin, in an article for Andreessen Horowitz called “The Passion Economy,” explains how platforms enable people to turn unique skills into income, reshaping how we define work and value. In this landscape, entrepreneurs, companies and individuals don’t wait for permission to lead. They build platforms, and audiences follow.
A New Kind Of Gold Rush
Like the original gold rush, today’s moment favors the early, resourceful and strategic. But instead of pickaxes and pans, you need a clear domain of knowledge, a way to communicate it effectively and a platform to deliver it. This isn’t a temporary wave—it’s a permanent reshaping of where value comes from. In a noisy world, original insight is gold.
Your organization’s most underutilized assets may be the expertise inside your walls. Codifying institutional knowledge, empowering internal subject matter experts and building thought leadership at scale are more than branding plays. That client framework you’ve used for years? It has value. You don’t need a massive audience. You need authenticity, clarity and consistency. Here are a few steps to get started:
• Identify your niche area of expertise.
• Create valuable content.
• Engage with your audience through social or community platforms.
• Offer monetizable services like consultations, courses or workshops.
You may face impostor syndrome or struggle with consistency. Best practices? Set goals, build a content schedule and seek regular feedback.
Just as industry giants like Google, Meta and Amazon leverage their knowledge through proprietary insight, all companies and entrepreneurs can create value from what they know. The same principles apply at every scale: Knowledge becomes leverage when it’s organized, applied and shared. Because in the 21st century, the greatest companies don’t dig for oil. They mine insight.
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