Part two of a two-part article concluding a literature review of the business and political influences impacting on the development of the knowledge economy. Considers the influence of Japanese philosophy on the development of the knowledge company. Compares Western and Japanese theories of knowledge and considers the concept of the knowledge company alongside that of the knowledge economy where successful companies need to be innovative and create an environment that enables knowledge creation. Discusses the meaning of knowledge, commodified forms of knowledge, epistemology as the philosophical study of knowledge, rationalism versus empiricism and Japanese philosophy of knowledge. When considering the role of information professionals in the knowledge economy it must be concluded that this appears to be very limited at present, as does its role within the specific sphere of knowledge management.