Title: Supporting internal technology transfer with knowledge management at Motorola: a case study

Authors: Frances Jean Laidlaw

Addresses: Advanced Systems for Knowledge, 420 East Ohio Street, Suite 33D, Chicago, Illinois 60611-4666, USA

Abstract: This case study provides anecdotal evidence drawn from the author|s experience as a director of knowledge management and strategic planning at Motorola, a $30 billion-dollar high-tech company. There are three sections to this paper: the introductory section is followed by a section describing (1) Identifying the Problem, (2) Developing a Technical Project Plan - Using a Phase-Gate Approach, (3) Convincing Executives from Different Communities-of-Practice of its Feasibility, (4) Building a Team, (5) Developing the KM System, (6) Introducing, Integrating and Institutionalising the KM System, and (7) Maintaining and Enhancing the KM System. The third section lists the next steps that should follow the developmental stage. One of the greatest lessons learned was that simple problems can sometimes require complex solutions.

Keywords: communities of practice; internal technology transfer; knowledge management (KM); Motorola; phase-gate technical plans; return-on-assets; return-on-equity; return-on-investment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2003.001799

International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, 2003 Vol.2 No.1, pp.18-31

Published online: 18 Aug 2003 *

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