Facilitating Naval knowledge flow

Abstract

Knowledge is power. As the U.S. Navy is working to revise its strategy and tactics through network-centric warfare, it is apparent that knowledge flow is key. However, our current state of understanding does not address the phenomenology of knowledge flow well, nor do we have the benefit of knowledge-flow theory and its application to very-large enterprises such as the Navy. Without such basic understanding, one cannot expect to design effective systems and processes for network-centric warfare. Imagine trying to develop useful electronic devices such as amplifiers or integrated circuits without a good understanding of electrical flow. Or imagine the difficulty of developing useful aircraft devices such as engines or wings without thoroughly understanding air flow. Likewise, how can one expect to develop useful enterprise devices such as knowledge amplifiers or knowledge engines without understanding knowledge flow? Informed by advances in knowledge-flow theory, this work can propel knowledge management toward the methods and tools commonly used for engineering work-a quantum shift from the current state of affairs. The present article takes a step in this direction. It is intended to serve a something of a navigational chart, to help guide communities of practice as they seek out new knowledge to facilitate naval knowledge flow.