Framework for Managing National Research Project Records as Knowledge Assets: Integrated use of Lifecycle, Continuum and Ecosystem Knowledge Management Methodologies

The purpose of this paper is to explore methodologies and best practices for managing national research project records (NRPR) as knowledge assets and to propose a coherent and consistent management framework to guarantee authenticity, reliability, integrity and reusability of NRPR as knowledge assets through evidence-based knowledge management collaboration throughout the life time of the research, records and knowledge. Based on a critical review of three schools of thought on concepts of, reasons for, and approaches to, national research project recordkeeping under the impact of the lifecycle, continuum and ecosystem methodologies in current practice and research, the authors justify the necessity of establishment of a unified knowledge management framework driven by different priorities and interests of records and archives administrators; researchers and research councils; and research project investors and administrators. Through mapping knowledge intervention gaps, building knowledge interventions linkages and implementing knowledge management practices, this paper rationalizes an integrated use of the three methodologies as complementary approaches to form a unified knowledge management framework. Such a framework is beneficial to collaboration, optimization and innovation of the current management systems for national research project records, which can have shared benefits and impacts on effectiveness, efficiency and economy, and integrate national research project assets management into a cohesive and harmonious system.