Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Knowledge and Innovation

In a recent study, APQC found that innovation is important to all organizations in all sectors, whether for-profit, government, or nonprofit. In an economy powered by knowledge workers, the better use of knowledge can lead to faster, less risky, and more vibrant innovation. In technical organizations such as many of those studied by APQC, knowledge is often the raw material as well as the product of their work.

Do you think these organizations -- known for their innovation -- create, manage, or leverage their knowledge more effectively or differently than other organizations? Is the way they manage knowledge part of the reason these organizations are so innovative? APQC's research has found the answer to be a resounding, "Yes", but I'd like to hear your opinion on the intersection of knowledge (knowledge management) and innovation.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Tom Davenport cites several organizations that manage knowledge correctly to achieve innovation. In an article titled: Managing a Broad Innovation Portfolio, he addresses how an organization must coordinate innovation. He suggests a central person should orchestrate the knoweldge work of different stakeholders to assure that innovation survives. Otherwise, it's doomed to fail.

Another Human said...

Ron
This is an interesting post.To "manage" knowledge from an innovation perspective would require clear understanding of what knowlegde would help and what would hinder innovation in the new business unit.I have written an entry on this in my blog.

Jeevan Kamble said...

Dinesh / ron,
Thanks to raising this post!
I think once KM is in proper place we will certainly think next on how KM will help us to generate Idea and lead Innovation. Should be there a proper process or a work flow infrastructure suffice this need. but HOW?