KM India 2009: Knowledge Management catalyst to economic growth: K V Kamath, President, CII

Mr K V Kamath, President, CII and Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, ICICI Bank pointed out during his special address at Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organised Knowledge Management (KM) summit KM India 2008.
Mr K V Kamath also said effective knowledge management is a catalyst for economic growth. More it (knowledge) is allowed to flow, more it grows. Sixty percent of Indias GDP is generated by the service industry and for them knowledge is key.

In a flat world, where knowledge is available at the touch of a button, the key differentiator is often Knowledge Management. Knowledge is increasingly becoming a valuable asset along with the traditional factors of production such as labor and capital. Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) bought together luminaries from the industry, academes, and consultancy under KM India 2008 banner who over the three days would discuss and share best practices and trends in the industry.

This years theme for KM India summit is enhancing competitiveness through KM and expert would discuss critical issues like Strategy & Assessment; Competencies and Cultural building for Knowledge Organisation; Technology Trends for Managing Knowledge etc. The Summit brings together global experts on Knowledge Management from the industry, consulting, academia and non-profit organizations to discuss the challenges facing the knowledge-intensive industries and organizations.

Experts will deliberate on the technologies, processes and cultural elements facilitating Knowledge Management.

In his keynote address, Mr. Suresh Prabhu, former Union Minister & Member of Parliament, said KM can be used a key to organizational benefit, in a fast changing world, the concern changes from how to thrive to how to survive. These days every bit of knowledge that is created is attempted to trap under patents and intellectual property rights. There should be free flow of information and knowledge, which would lead to greater good. The greatest knowledge source of all times, the Vedas, have no copyright protection or known author, he said.

KM India is CIIs endeavour to create an ecosystem that generates economic value through effective harnessing of knowledge and intellectual capital. The intent is to create a better understanding of knowledge management practices, research and practical applications.

Mr Ashok Soota, Chairman, CII Mission on Knowledge and Chairman and Managing Director, MindTree Limited said that KM has become a key item on the corporate agenda and is increasingly seen as a key enabler that fosters the organizations ability to innovate. Traditional lab culture (closed door innovation) is giving way to open source, where technology allows organizations to reach out to the world for solutions. Organisations can use KM to open new markets, but at the same time, it needs to be in line with its business strategy.

CII Knowledge Summit - The KM India 2008 is being held on 5 - 7 November 2008 in Mumbai.

Indias leading management portal MBAUniverse.com is the Official Media Partner of this important knowledge event. Stay tuned for updates from KM India.