Strategic Knowledge Managing within the Context of Networks

Abstract

The basic economic resource in the next economy is knowledge, but there is a lack in our understanding on how to manage knowledge and knowledge processes for competitive advantage. This chapter presents a conceptualization of strategic knowledge managing and a strategic knowledge managing (SKM) framework. The conceptualization is based on extensions of the resource- and knowledge-based view of the firm as well as ideas from inter-firm relationships and the ‘gift economy.’ We place strategic knowledge managing within the context of networks. Four types of networks for knowledge managing are defined: 1) intra-networks, 2) extra-networks, 3) inter-networks, and 4) open networks. The SKM framework can support organizations in strategically managing knowledge and knowledge processes to gain and sustain competitive advantage. The SKM framework comprises the activities: 1) strategic vision, 2) knowledge vision and key knowledge identification, 3) design, 4) knowledge protection and/or give away, 5) implementation, and 6) usage. The conceptualization and the framework open up new knowledge managing research areas and issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Handbook on Knowledge Management 1: Knowledge Matters is the property of Springer Science & Business Media B.V. / Books and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)