Sharing knowledge through communities of practice

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is deepening into the concept of ‘Communities of Practice’ (CoPs) as a useful scope to share knowledge, trying to present some key issues about a practical knowledge management approach. CoPs are a main trend inside innovation strategies, including not only management, but also knowledge creation and development, a richer focus for knowledge governance. There is a wide range of strategies to improve intangible assets management but practical side around two case studies is the main added value for this chapter. For this reason, the purpose is not about a model configuration but CoPs as a useful mechanism to knowledge governance. First of all, a reality based on consultancy activity inside military sector, Isdefe, with a three years project aimed to knowledge management as a core business plan, taking into account a technological development. Secondly, a framework related to nuclear power plants in Spain through “CoPs Project” an initiative aimed to improve organizational performance linked to tacit knowledge transfer