Title: Managing knowledge in manufacturing: results of a Delphi study in European manufacturing industry

Authors: Heidi Armbruster, Petra Jung Erceg, Krsto Pandza, Carsten Dreher

Addresses: Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research, D-76139 Karlsruhe, Germany. ' Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research, D-76139 Karlsruhe, Germany. ' Leeds University Business School, The University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK. ' Innovation Research and Innovation Management, University of Flensburg, D-24943 Flensburg, Germany; University of Southern Denmark, Mads Clausen Institut, DK-6400 Sonderborg, Denmark

Abstract: We examine the role and importance of knowledge management in European manufacturing, based on a comprehensive Delphi survey that covers a wide range of aspects relevant for future competitiveness of European manufacturing. The importance of various knowledge management activities, their estimated time of realisation, effects on employment, competitiveness, living and working conditions and possible barriers of implementation such as the level of education and qualification, economic viability, social acceptability, technical feasibility are analysed. The results highlight the consensus about the importance of knowledge as a strategically important resource and indicate a shift from resource-based towards knowledge-based manufacturing has already started. The results reveal inconsistencies between avowed importance of knowledge management and scepticism toward some aspects that potentially foster knowledge developments. It also indicates that education emerges as frequently mentioned barrier for implementing knowledge management activities. The paper concludes with policy recommendations aimed at strengthening knowledge-based production in the European manufacturing.

Keywords: Delphi methodology; European manufacturing industry; foresight study; knowledge acquisition; knowledge development; knowledge management; knowledge sharing; competitiveness; knowledge-based manufacturing; education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJFIP.2007.014010

International Journal of Foresight and Innovation Policy, 2007 Vol.3 No.3, pp.256 - 276

Published online: 10 Jun 2007 *

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