Challenges in Developing the TMK Information Systems in China: Exploring the Past, Illuminating the Present, and Implications for Future
摘要
This chapter critically examines the challenges and opportunities associated with developing Traditional Medical Knowledge (TMK) information systems in China. It explores the historical, cultural, and political dimensions that have shaped the management, protection, and dissemination of TMK in the digital age. By tracing the historical trajectory of TMK documentation from ancient practices to modern digital repositories like the China Traditional Chinese Medicine Patent Database (CTCMPD), this chapter highlights the intertwining of TMK with State control, ideological alignment, and ethnocentric biases. While these systems aim to preserve and protect TMK, issues such as political interference, decontextualisation, and marginalisation of local knowledge systems persist. This chapter proposes a transformative approach to TMK information systems, advocating for designs that prioritise inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability. Drawing inspiration from historical models like Confucian academies, this chapter envisions systems that integrate local protocols, respect community-specific needs, and promote dynamic engagement through collaborative tools. Additionally, it underscores the importance of linking TMK information systems with Intellectual Property (IP) and Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) frameworks to ensure equitable use and protection of TMK. Ultimately, this chapter argues for the continuous evolution of TMK information systems to reflect the diverse, dynamic nature of Chinese TMK. This vision positions these systems as pivotal intermediaries that balance preservation with innovation, fostering greater appreciation and sustainable use of TMK in China and beyond.