SOME CONCEPTUAL AND RESEARCH BARRIERS TO THE UTILIZATION OF KNOWLEDGE

Whether in high-tech, service, or traditional industries, the role of knowledge as a primary driver of development is being increasingly rec ognized. It is not clear, however, whether managerial approaches based on mindsets rooted in past practice are appropriate for, or capable o f, fully realizing the potential value of knowledge within the firm an d/or industry. At least three related issues stand in the way of full knowledge utilization: conceptualization and measurement of knowledge capital as a primary organizational asset, the integration of knowledg e capital into the strategic management process, and the development o f organizational forms and processes that facilitate the use and devel opment of knowledge. While leading-edge firms are already wrestling wi th these issues, advances in theory and research are needed to help de velop appropriate responses and provide frameworks that will help spre ad these new approaches. In doing so, advances may also be made that a llow for the recognition of the central role of collaboration in the k nowledge process.