Editorial

Citation

Stankosky, M. (2008), "Editorial", VINE, Vol. 38 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/vine.2008.28738caa.001

Editorial

Article Type: Editorial From: VINE: The journal of information and knowledge management systems, Volume 38, Issue 3

I recently attended three separate, yet interrelated, activities in Paris, France:

1. 1.

   The First International Doctoral Consortium on Intellectual Capital Management, organized by the European Chair on Intellectual Capital Management, University Paris-Sud. The aim of this program is to stimulate research in intellectual capital management on a global scale. There were six PhD candidates from Brazil, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, and Mexico. The reviewers were not only from these countries, but also from Austria, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Spain, Sweden, and the United States. Additionally, this event was also the inauguration of the 1st European Chair on managing intangibles, such as intellectual capital. This event was presided over by the President of Paris-Sud, Dr Anita Bersellini, and sponsored by Bouygues, Cigref, EADS, INPI, OECD, and the European Patent Office.

2. 2.

   The New Club of Paris General Assembly. The mission of the club is to further the advancement of international accounting standards for intellectual capital.

3. 3.

   The World Conference on Intellectual Capital for Communities (4th Edition) – co-organized by the European Chair on Intellectual Capital, University of Paris-Sud and The World Bank. There were participants from all over the world, as well as several governments and corporations, such as Japan, Morocco, Poland, EADS, and the OECD, to name but a few.

These events took place in a time span of three days and nights, and were attended by participants from the world community. My reaction to all of this – WOW In my ten years of participating in the knowledge management (KM) evolution, this was perhaps one of KM’s finest moments. So many people and organizations dismiss KM as a fad, or having passed its heyday and relevancy. What the players in Paris recognize is that intellectual capital is the currency of the 21st century economy and organization, and has to be smartly harnessed. That such a world-class community came together is a testament to the criticality of knowledge as a national and strategic resource/asset. How nations and organizations leverage these assets will determine their ability to compete and succeed on the world stage.

I want to acknowledge several key players who made these events happen: Ahmed Bounfour, Professor, European Chair on Intellectual Capital Management, University of Paris-Sud; Jean-Eric Aubert, Lead Specialist, The World Bank Insitute; and Professor Gunter Koch, Visiting Professor at Donau University, and a charter member of the New Club of Paris. All are truly pioneers, whose leadership roles are of invaluable import.

Now on to this third edition of VINE for 2008. What a treat and honor to have Lloyd Trotter, a former executive from General Electric, to give us his insights on how to use KM for productivity improvements. This interview was conducted by Dr. Anne Green, herself an accomplished knowledge strategist and architect. Anne is in a class by herself when it comes to pioneering KM principles and practices.

The articles cover an interesting spectrum of theory and practice. Some of the authors should be well known to the readers of VINE, such as Vittal Anantatmula, Alex and Dave Bennet, Gaytari Doctor, Darius Hedgebeth, Mirghani Mohamed, and Vincent Ribiere. They are a testimony to the fact that knowledge is an infinite resource, and continues to grow when used. I am always amazed at their productivity, passion, and unique insights into KM. Interesting to note is the continuing “convergence” of subjects, such as KM, IT, Project Management, and Human Behavior. Alex and Dave Bennet write on one of my favorite subjects: coherence. One of my 21 principles for successful management in the 21st century enterprise is: codification + collaboration + convergence + coherence = success. I am reading a book, titled Leadership Ensemble: Lessons in Collaborative Management from the World’s Only Conductorless Orchestra. In this unique orchestra, seams are stitched together, and the product is a symphony that delights the ears of the stakeholders. It’s about leadership at its finest moment. I recommend it to you.

Finally, our book review is not really a review. Rather, it’s an advertisement. However, it does recognize that open access to information and knowledge is not only here, but here to stay. And it does change the lives of those who are willing to be curious and understand. It should be read and understood.

My best wishes for a curious and fruitful summer.

Michael Stankosky