Knowledge maps for knowledge mining:: Application to R&D/technology management

Most of the world's archive of knowledge sources remains untouched by those who could greatly benefit from accessing and utilizing this information. The fundamental barriers to access and utilization by these users involve the content and format of this information. These users are not particularly interested in data compilations, research methods, and discussions of related literature. Instead, they are interested in the knowledge available from these sources in terms of concepts and principles that can enhance their planning, decision making, and allocation of resources. This article focuses on meeting these needs via a six-step knowledge mining methodology that relies upon user-oriented knowledge maps, This concept is illustrated in the context of R&D/technology management.