Applying knowledge management in university research

In the knowledge-based economy, universities are encountering dramatic changes. Their missions and functions are‘pragmatized’ because of emerging new players and competing markets for knowledge production, the availability of higher education to a wider range of social classes and age groups, as well as the assimilation of information technology into the university environment. The dynamics and conduct of university research, in particular, has correspondingly become more sensitive to industry collaboration opportunities, commercial exploitation, and is increasingly transdisciplinary. This paper argues that knowledge management (KM) practices and tools can support universities in addressing these demands. Institutions of higher education can benefit from KM by creating and maintaining relevant knowledge repositories, improving knowledge access, enhancing the knowledge environment,and valuing knowledge. This is exemplified with reference to the Singapore Management University (SMU) where KM is increasingly being applied in the area of research.