Etienne Wenger-Trayner is a globally recognized thought leader in the field of social learning theory, including communities of practice and their application. He has authored and co-authored seminal articles and books on the topic: Situated Learning, where the term “community of practice” was coined; Communities of Practice: learning, meaning, and identity, where he lays out a theory of learning based on the concept; Cultivating Communities of Practice: a guide to managing knowledge, addressed to practitioners in organizations; Digital Habitats, which tackles challenges of using technology. His more recent books are coauthored with Beverly Wenger-Trayner. Learning in Landscapes of Practice expands the learning theory beyond single communities. Learning to make a difference: value creation in social learning spaces lays a new foundation for the theory, along with a framework for supporting and assessing social learning. Systems Convening sheds light on a crucial form of cross-boundary social learning leadership. The Communities of Practice Guidebookprovides guidance for cultivating communities in and across organizations. This work is influencing both theory and practice in a wide range of disciplines. It increasingly provides a foundation to social-learning approaches for organizations in the private and public sectors. It is also influential in the academic sphere. One of the most cited authors in the social sciences, Etienne regularly speaks at conferences and seminars. He received honorary doctorates from the University of Brighton and the British Open University. To further develop social-learning theory, practice, and leadership, Etienne and Beverly recently founded the Social Learning Lab in Sesimbra, Portugal.

Etienne Wenger-Trayner is a globally recognized thought leader in the field of social learning. He has authored and co-authored seminal books: Situated Learning, where the term “community of practice” was coined; Communities of Practice, which lays out a theory of social learning; Cultivating Communities of Practice, for practitioners in organizations; Digital Habitats, about the use of technology. His more recent books are coauthored with Beverly Wenger-Trayner. Learning in Landscapes of Practice expands the learning theory beyond single communities. Learning to make a difference proposes a new framework for understanding and supporting social learning. Systems Convening describes cross-boundary social learning leadership. Communities of Practice Guidebook provides practical guidance. Etienne is sought-after consultant. He is also one of the most cited authors in the social sciences and recipient of two honorary doctorates. To further develop social-learning theory, practice, and leadership, Etienne and Beverly recently founded the Social Learning Lab in Sesimbra, Portugal.

Etienne Wenger-Trayner is a globally recognized thought leader in the field of social learning. His early books include: Situated Learning, where the term “community of practice” was coined; Communities of Practice, about the theory; and Cultivating Communities of Practice, for practitioners. Etienne is a sought-after consultant and one of the most cited authors in the social sciences. His more recent books, coauthored with Beverly Wenger-Trayner, further the theory and practice of social learning: Learning in Landscapes of Practice, Learning to make a difference, Systems Convening, and the Communities of practice guidebook. Etienne and Beverly recently founded the Social Learning Lab.

Etienne is a social learning theorist and consultant, known for his work on communities of practice. He and his wife Beverly develop the theory by consulting in a wide variety of contexts to help people develop the capacity to learn with and from each other.

Etienne is mostly known for his work on communities of practice. More generally, he is developing the theory and practice of enhancing social learning capability at various levels of scale.