R&D knowledge is power

The phrase "knowledge is power-" maybe a cliche, yet in today's business environment it is as true a statement as ever. In fact, knowledge is a unique company resource because its value actually increases when it is shared. Viewing knowledge as a strategic corporate resource, managers need to examine their own organizations to assess the degree of stored knowledge and absorptive capacity necessary to accomplish what is required for sustainable competitive advantage. A key question is whether or not the organizational structure is appropriate-from the perspective of both breadth and depth of knowledge-to the mission at hand. Breadth is obtained through employee diversity and connectedness depth through R&D experience as well as basic research initiatives, partnerships, joint ventures, etc. Overall, knowledge, like other strategic corporate resources, must be actively managed (it is to result in sustainable competitive advantage.