Knowledge management system for fourth generation R&D: KNOWVATION

Since the advent of the embryonic model almost a century ago. R&D systems have gone through an evolutionary process of development that can be classified into three generations. Today, the fourth generation of R&D is emerging that emphasizes both strategic and operational importance of knowledge management (KM). Despite the importance of KM, the network between conceptual scheme of the fourth generation R&D and practical system of KM remains a missing link. In response, the main objective of this paper is to present a framework for designing, and implementing knowledge management system (KMS) for the fourth generation R&D. The proposed system is named KNOWVATION, which combines the notions of knowledge and innovation. First, the evolutionary classification of the R&D generations and the corresponding characteristics of the respective generations are defined. Second, the organizational structure and knowledge functions of the fourth generation R&D are derived. Finally, the overall design framework and detailed sub-modules are presented. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.