Insight Blog

Knowledge is and always will be the most important source of an organization’s competitive advantage. And Knowledge Management (KM) is a significant issue facing many company’s today including those involved in the Architecture / Engineering / Construction (AEC) industry. Regardless of whether you work for a small or large firm, you can understand the need for creating and executing effective KM processes, methods, tools and technologies. Therefore, it is not surprising that an emerging role within the AEC sector is that of Chief Knowledge Officer (CKO).

Because of the variances among AEC firms in size and specialty, the responsibilities of a CKO can vary greatly and the role is often difficult to define. However, the objectives of a CKO typically include:

• To manage organizational knowledge as a strategic asset to further an organization’s goals.
• To increase profitability and growth through higher efficiency in knowledge sharing and innovation.
• To maximize the return on investment in knowledge including people, processes and intellectual capital.
• To reduce costs by facilitating knowledge centricity and ensuring that the best, most relevant information is accessible to all personnel.
• To enhance customer satisfaction through improved products / services and shorter lead times.
• To mitigate knowledge loss after an organizational restructuring, acquisition or merger.

• Creating a comprehensive KM strategy based upon an organization’s objectives.
• Overseeing the development and implementation of a knowledge infrastructure.
• Leading the KM process and maximizing the creation and dissemination of knowledge.
• Establishing KM policies for the documentation of work processes.
• Motivating employees regarding KM and creating incentive programs for knowledge sharing.

CKOs have the responsibility for an organization’s most valuable asset – its knowledge. And leveraging that intellectual capital is no easy task. To be successful in this type of role, a CKO needs to have a strategic mindset, leadership qualities, and a solid understanding of technology, software applications and informational tools. They must also be able to advocate KM and motivate employees.

As AEC firms move forward in an increasingly progressive and complex environment, CKOs will play key roles in sustaining competitive advantage.