Knowledge value chain

A knowledge value chain is a sequence of intellectual tasks by which knowledge workers build their employer's unique competitive advantage ^[1] and/or social and environmental benefit. As an example, the components of a research and development project form a knowledge value chain.

Productivity improvements in a knowledge value chain may come from knowledge integration in its original sense of data systems consolidation. Improvements also flow from the knowledge integration that occurs when knowledge management techniques are applied to the continuous improvement of a business process or processes.^[2]

The term first started coming into common use around 1999, appearing in management-related talks and papers.^[3][4][5] It was registered as a trademark in 2004 by TW Powell Co., a Manhattan company.^[6][7]

Knowledge value chain processes

• Knowledge acquisition
• Knowledge storage
• Knowledge dissemination
• Knowledge application

References

1. Carlucci, D., Marr, B. and Schiuma, G. (2004) 'The knowledge value chain: how intellectual capital impacts on business performance', Int J. Technology Management, Vol. 27, Nos. 6/7, pp. 575–690 (pdf)
2. Canada Edge Performance Consultants - official page
3. 1999 KMWorld conference program, listing Powell's talk on "The Knowledge Value Chain - Aligning Knowledge Workers with Competitive Strategy"
4. "Knowledge value chain",The Journal of Management Development, Volume 19, Number 9, 2000, pp. 783–794(12)
5. Tim Powell, "Knowledge Value Chain", May 2001, Proceeding of 22nd National Online Meeting, Information Today (pdf)
6. TW Powell Co. website
7. U.S. Trademark, December 2004. 2,912,705