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Professor Simon Burnett is a Professor of Information Management in the School of Law and Social Sciences at Robert Gordon University (RGU). With a career spanning both academia and industry, he brings practical experience to his academic role. Prior to joining RGU, he worked in the private sector designing and implementing online information systems. He has held significant leadership positions including Director of the RGU Centre for Knowledge Management (2000-2008) and Associate Director (External) of the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science (2013-2016).
Professor Burnett's educational background includes:
- PhD in "Knowing through Narratives"
- MSc in Information Analysis (1993-1994)
- Bachelor's Degree in Librarianship and Information Studies (1989-1993, Robert Gordon University)
Professor Burnett's research focuses on Dark Knowledge, Knowledge Management, Information Management, Storytelling/Narrative, Knowledge-based Processes, Communities of Practice, Innovation Management, Social Media in Political and Policing Contexts, Information visualisation, and Digital Curation. His work explores forbidden and taboo aspects of knowledge, particularly how organizations handle information that is uncomfortable or politically sensitive. He has pioneered research on "desire lines" across information landscapes and examines how narratives function in knowledge sharing processes.
His publication record shows a consistent output with 52 research outputs including 24 journal articles, 14 theses, and 9 conference presentations. Recent work (2023-2025) demonstrates growing interest in Dark Knowledge, with several publications exploring its theoretical foundations and practical implications. His research spans multiple disciplines including information science, knowledge management, social media studies, and organizational behavior, often with a focus on practical applications in industry contexts.
Professor Burnett has received notable recognition including:
- A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Dean's of Huntly (2020)
- Funding from the Leverhulme Trust for a systematic literature review on Dark Knowledge (2024)
Professor Burnett is an active supervisor with 16 doctoral students currently under his guidance across various programs. He has supervised over a dozen students to completion and serves as an external examiner for multiple universities. His research is well-funded with current projects including the Leverhulme Trust grant and an industry collaboration on digital strategy implementation.
As former Director of the RGU Centre for Knowledge Management (2000-2008), Professor Burnett led a team providing knowledge management research and consultancy services to high-profile clients including the United Nations, BP, and the NHS. His current research group continues to explore cutting-edge topics in knowledge management, particularly focusing on Dark Knowledge and its implications for organizations. The group maintains strong industry connections and collaborates on practical applications of knowledge management theory.
