[.uk] Innovation Strategy for the Knowledge Economy, The Ken ... (ISBN 0750698411)

Innovation - A Definite Leverage Point:
When I first read Innovation Strategy for the Knowledge Economy in 1998, I was amassing a large library of KM books. I had accomplished a similar effort in the mid-80's on the subject of innovation. Because of the relatedness of these two efforts, I grasped rather quickly the importance Debra Amidon was placing on innovation--my ken was clear. I believed she was and is, more than figuratively speaking, on the money. From the beginnings of the focus on KM, there has consistently been the challenging people/technology dichotomy. Amidon's perspective on innovation provides an extremely insightful focus on a third dimension in the core KM picture--process. Debra Amidon obviously had enough grounding in both the people and technology domains of knowledge activities that she intuitively values the innovation issue. The American culture and economy has always been fueled by high capacity for innovation. While we have kept the pace, other nations are increasing their innovation quotient. Now, in a new knowledge era, Debra Amidon is offering advanced ways to leverage innovation. Much of what she presents seems familiar, nevertheless, the way she weaves it all together and the new elements she presents takes innovation to a new level in the enterprise. For me, this book becomes more valuable each year, particularly as we find that the nature of innovation in our enterprises becomes more complex with higher stakes than ever.

Taking the next big step beyond the competion...:
In a nutshell, this book provided ideas, strategies, and mechanisms to take the next big step beyond what others are doing. This book differentiates KM software applications to categorize information from the very human activities needed to create the innovative enterprise. When everyone has implemented KM..how do we create an ability to outperform competition? Some key thoughts and ideas are presented in this book. Always worth going back to for some inspiration.

Sustainable Prosperity via 'Knowledge Innovation':
Subsequent to the massive investments in such consulting fads, tools and initiatives as 'right sizing', 'process re-engineering', IT infrastructure, 'so called' knowledge-management, etc., etc... many enterprises around the globe are reeling from the unrealized gains and often harmuful effects stemming from these activities... and as being painfully exposed by the so called 'New Economy'. In this regard, many of these same people and entities responsible for such 'Tayloristic', fragmented and myopic activities are scrambling to find the most recently espoused solutions, tools and gimmicks to prop-up lackluster results, and in many cases, just to survive. In response, a plethora of authors, consultants and media-sellers are happy to fill the market with products and services that are, once again, proclaimed to be the "real truth". If you are adamant in your belief that the ability to create a successful life, career, enterprise, or even nation, is contingent upon one's ability to manage and control those persons, entities and resources within their 'shpere of influence' in the spirit of head-to-head competition... please do not bother to purchase this book for yourself. Simply forward a copy to a dear friend, loved one or colleague who is in search of true enlightenment and is worthy of the timeless truths and wisdom inherent in this great work. To her merit, Ms. Amidon has effectively researched, synthesized and articulated both the 'hows' and 'whys' anyone truly desiring a prosperous and sustainable future for themselves, their families and enterprises, and yes, even their country and the world at large, can accomplish such worthy endeavors. To this end, Ms. Amidon's work does not serve up a conjured 'solution', but simply sheds light on the simulatneously complex and yet simple truth.... that to successfully and conscientiously seek sustainable success in a dynamic and choatic environment.... one must nurture, lead and inspire others to collaboratively and holistically allign themselves to seek the continuous identification/measurement, synthesis and application/diffusion of all their combined tangible and intangible assets e.g., intellectual, social and financial capital. In a curt phrase with no intended disrespect... "It's innovation stupid."

Random, incoherent compilation of myriad of opinions on KM:
I am truly mystyfied how this book could get 5 stars from almost all readers. There is no method to it. It is just a collection of random statements praising the importance of knowledge management (frequently also author's company). While most of the opinions cited in this book are undoubtedly true, almost nothing of practical significance follows.

Great Merge betwen KM and Innovation:
An extraordinary book, with a comprehensive knowledge management review and fresh topics. Ideal for advanced readers in KM topics and the Innovation Process. Don't lose this reading.