Inside knowledge

This month’s editorial comment. By Simon Lelic.

Organisations in the public sector have a difficult job. Recent high-profile cases in the UK show how desperate the situation can sometimes become, and almost every publicly-funded enterprise across the globe faces a range of challenges that organisations in the private sector should be thankful they will never have to deal with.

Public sector bodies are often hampered by outmoded working practices, inadequate funding and a reluctance or inability to learn from the successes and failures of other organisations. They are nevertheless expected to deliver the same high level of service as companies operating in an environment in which competition drives the need to operate as efficiently and effectively as possible. It is therefore not surprising that the majority of public sector organisations are still perceived as being second-rate in comparison to leading commercial businesses.

There is no doubt that a wealth of talent and an untapped treasure of experience and knowledge exist in the public sector. Yet it is crucial that every organisation recognises the value of the intellectual capital at its disposal if it is to truly fulfil its potential (a theme discussed by Leif Edvinsson in his article beginning on page 27), and this is particularly important to those public sector bodies that have thus far been guilty of neglecting what is, in effect, their greatest asset.

Thankfully things are beginning to change, as the articles in this month’s issue demonstrate. The response – from exhibitors and delegates – to Ark Group’s ‘Knowledge management for the public sector’ event, which takes place in London just as this edition hits desks, is also testament to the level of interest KM is now generating among public sector bodies.

On a separate note, may I reassure readers that Knowledge Management has not folded! As I understand it, a similarly titled magazine was recently forced to close, and this has, understandably, caused a great deal of confusion. I can assure you, however, that our publication – the original journal for the KM community – continues to go from strength to strength, as I am sure you will agree after reading this month’s issue.

As ever, if you have any comments or questions about the magazine, please feel free to contact me at slelic@ark-group.com.