Collaborative Knowledge Networks

The effective use of community-driven Collaborative Knowledge Networks (CKN) is fast becoming a hallmark of high-performing organizations. Companies that learn to manage and leverage these networks effectively will be more agile, more efficient and more innovative than those that do not. This paper describes necessary tools and methods to identify, promote and manage the development of collaborative knowledge communities within organizations. Such communities tend to emerge spontaneously, the catalysts are myriad, and they exist for as long as the members derive value from the network. Their lack of formal hierarchy and boundaries appears to promote innovation and reduces complexity around problem solving and solution development. Harnessing these communities and realizing the benefits for business purposes is clearly attractive and yet the challenge is significant.