Knowledge Assets Management in the Energy Industry

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to examine the state-of-the-art of Knowledge Assets Management (KAM) in the energy industry, reviewing both the literature and the practice of KAM initiatives. Particular attention is provided to the renewable energy sector and to the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). It emerges that most of the literature is focused on big companies and little attention is paid to the renewable energy sector. It emerges that some organizations, especially in the oil industry, are seen as leaders in KM practice. On the other hand, SMEs operating in the renewable energy industry are not aware of the relevance of KAM and then do not address explicitly KAM initiatives or projects. The research reveals that small firms do indeed manage knowledge assets informally as part of their normal activities, without using the terminology and concepts of knowledge management discipline.