The development of International Atomic Energy Agency guidance on knowledge management in nuclear R&D organisations

Abstract

It is now generally recognised that the application of nuclear technologies can be enhanced through the effective creation, sharing and transfer of knowledge. Indeed, the management of knowledge is a major factor in nurturing a culture of innovation. In 2002, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference discussed the growing importance of Nuclear Knowledge Management (NKM) and the concomitant risks when failing to manage knowledge. The 2006 General Conference passed a resolution requiring the development of guidance focusing on NKM, resulting in a programme to prepare a series of publications on the subject. The programme also included training to raise the profile of NKM, consideration of best practices and articulation of the benefits that could be achieved by nuclear organisations. A guidance document has now been produced describing proven knowledge management techniques in the nuclear Research and Development (R&D) sector. It includes definitions of terms and advice on managing tacit, implicit and explicit knowledge, both in document (record) form and in terms of the skills and experiences inherent in nuclear industry workers. This article provides an overview of the principal themes and topics explored in more detail in the IAEA guidance document.