Review: Wellsprings of Knowledge

February, 1998

Wellsprings of Knowledge by Dorothy Leonard-Barton is one of the most frequently cited books in the literature of knowledge management. While Part I provides an interesting overview of the innovation process, Part II contains the book’s "meat and potatoes" – insights into key innovation activities such as shared problem solving, implementing new tools and techniques, experimenting and prototyping, absorbing external knowledge, and learning from the market. Although written for scientific/technical firms, the concepts can be applied to almost any organization that needs to innovate continually.

Barton's book is itself a "wellspring" for subsequent books and articles on knowledge management. Along with Nonaka and Takeuchi's The Knowledge Creating Company , it is one of the most frequently cited works -- and justly so. The book dissects the product development processes of different companies to reveal the factors that promote and inhibit innovation. In so doing, it uncovers a treasure trove of knowledge base publishing possibilities. Although the focus is on scientific and engineering innovation, the principles described are applicable to other kinds of businesses.

More... (members only) How to become a member