Title: The role of Knowledge Management in the pharmaceutical enterprise

Authors: Dimitra D. Pappa, Lampros K. Stergioulas, Panagiotis Telonis

Addresses: Division of Applied Technologies, National Centre for Scientific Research (NCSR) 'Demokritos', P.O. Box 60228, 15310 Agia Paraskevi Attikis, Greece. ' Department of Information Systems and Computing, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK. ' Division of Applied Technologies, National Centre for Scientific Research (NCSR) 'Demokritos', Agia Paraskevi Attikis, Greece

Abstract: In the knowledge intensive pharmaceutical sector, novelty and value are essential for corporate success. This paper discusses the requirements for, and the role of, effective Knowledge Management, as a means for business optimisation and improvement in terms of performance and competitiveness. The various types of knowledge resources are identified and major issues for both explicit/informational and tacit/behavioural assets are discussed. It is argued that the key challenges for the future are underpinned by the rapidly increasing need for more effective communication, either between systems or between people. Intelligent information processing and improved knowledge transfer and sharing are called for.

Keywords: pharmaceutical enterprises; knowledge management; KM; medicines; drug information; knowledge assets; business integration; intelligent information processing; knowledge transfer; knowledge sharing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2009.024118

International Journal of Technology Management, 2009 Vol.47 No.1/2/3, pp.127 - 144

Published online: 26 Mar 2009 *

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