EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Development of tools for Knowledge Management in SMEs

Development of tools for Knowledge Management in SMEs

Introduction

Knowledge Management is a key factor for economic success, both for enterprises and regions. Therefore a project was set up in the Austrian region of Carinthia in order to improve the competitiveness of the region and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises with the help of Knowledge Management.

Problem

In Carinthia, SMEs are the most important employers. Therefore it is necessary to improve their competitiveness. Since innovation and knowledge are vital factors for economic success, Knowledge Management is a strategic issue for enterprises.

However, most of the Carinthian SMEs had no experience regarding Knowledge Management. Therefore it was decided to start a Knowledge Management project.

Description

The project’s objective was to develop tools for Knowledge Management is SMEs. In total 26 SMEs participated in the project. These were assessed using the kScan (“Knowledge Scan”), an assessment tool which was developed to determine the problems and to discover possible “Quick Wins” regarding Knowledge Management. Two-day training courses were used to make selected employees of the companies familiar with Knowledge Management.

Based on the results of the assessments, ten pilot projects were initiated. Additionally, meetings were organised in which the enterprises could exchange their experiences, share knowledge, discuss Knowledge Management issues and possible solutions.

After the pilot projects had been completed, best practice examples were identified and described. These examples are solutions and measures suitable for the vast majority of the SMEs in the region, hence capable of improving Carinthia’s competitiveness in a global knowledge economy. Additionally, the experiences gained were the input for the 2nd edition of the Knowledge Management programme.

Results

The assessment of 26 SMEs and the implementation of pilot projects in ten SMEs so far show the following problems with regard to Knowledge Management:

minor use of methods and instruments for the collection of knowledge from customers, suppliers and competitors
organisation structure/culture does not stimulate knowledge transfer
knowledge generated is hardly systematically documented and/or passed on
insufficient preparation or sudden separating of the core processes knowledge worker
clear regulations regarding which piece of knowledge should be documented in what way or where

Resources used

Total budget: 338,300 euros
Structural Fund (ERDF) co-financing: 89,071 euros
National public co-financing: 144,513 euros
National private co-financing: 104,716 euros

EU involvement

This practice was presented at the Fourth Best Practice Conference New Horizons in Graz, Austria on 15 November 2006. The conference aimed at promoting exchange of experience and dissemination of best practice between authorities involved in the implementation on EU Structural Funds Programmes in Europe. It was destined to contribute to improving quality of implementation of Structural Funds on the basis of project presentations and visits

Contact info

ISN – Innovation Service Network
office@innovation.at

Project start date

01/03/2004

Links

Visit the ISN – Innovation Service Network website (in German)Visit the GRAZ Best Practice Conference website

Download the 'Development of tools for Knowledge Management in SMEs' Report (PDF, Eng, 154 KB)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Keywords

Business support, Specific sectors