Join us for an engaging panel discussion together with some of the greatest minds of the PKM summit 2025!
Set up:
The panel will be answering some of these questions, bouncing off each other, after which we can open the floor to questions from the crowd/audience.
Panel Discussion: The Future of PKM
The final round of the event was a panel discussion featuring five guest speakers from the PKM Summit. The discussion focused on the future of Personal Knowledge Management (PKM), highlighting emerging trends, opportunities, challenges, and risks.
One of the key topics was the growing role of AI in PKM. Panelists noted that AI is becoming increasingly integrated, not just in processing language but likely also in understanding the deeper structure of knowledge within PKM systems. They also emphasized that PKM is fundamentally a social practice—knowledge is created and shaped through dialogue and collaboration. Looking ahead, the panel explored how future PKM systems might incorporate multiple forms of data, including images, audio, and even sensory inputs, expanding the ways knowledge can be captured and understood.
Another major discussion point was the importance of collaborative learning and open-source development. While open-source PKM tools could benefit the broader community, the panel acknowledged the challenges of sustaining such efforts. There are currently few incentives for developers to contribute to open-source PKM projects, making it difficult to maintain these initiatives without sufficient resources and support.
The audience was invited to participate, leading to a thought-provoking discussion on who might be missing from PKM conversations. Several groups were suggested, including visual designers, who offer alternative ways of structuring and representing knowledge beyond text. Librarians and archivists were also mentioned, as they have preserved and managed knowledge for centuries. Additionally, there was a call to engage younger generations, equipping them with tools for digital literacy and critical thinking. This would help them not only navigate information but also reflect on its meaning, its influence on their perspectives, and how they want to engage with it.
Some panelists raised concerns that PKM discussions might unintentionally exclude people due to language barriers or specialized terminology. They suggested making PKM concepts more accessible without oversimplifying them—helping individuals better understand how to manage information effectively, use AI responsibly, and align knowledge practices with personal goals.
To foster greater inclusivity and accessibility, the panel discussed the possibility of forming a PKM federation, where knowledge and resources could be exchanged more freely, benefiting both active community members and those unable to attend events. Another idea was the creation of a PKM "yellow pages"—a resource listing key thinkers, accessible channels, and starting points for newcomers to PKM.
Finally, a question was raised about who to watch in the PKM space in the near future. The panelists highlighted several key figures to follow and resources to explore:
though opinions varied on where the field might head next.