The new IAEA publication Knowledge Management and its Implementation in Nuclear Organizations provides concrete guidance on how to strengthen the nuclear knowledge management process in Member States. It is based on lessons learned from IAEA knowledge management assistance visits to Member States between 2005 and 2013.
The nuclear industry is knowledge-based and depends on the skills and knowledge of its workforce. An ageing workforce coupled with a decline in student enrolment in science and engineering programmes in general and nuclear science in particular has led to a need to intensify efforts to ensure an adequate pool of experienced professionals. They need to be prepared to take on responsibility in senior technical roles and contribute to the management of the nuclear sector.
“Knowledge management approaches in nuclear organizations differ, and the purpose of coming up with a publication such as this is to share good practices, lessons learned and experience,” said John de Grosbois, Head of the IAEA Nuclear Knowledge Management Section, adding that the content of the guide can also be used to improve and strengthen the IAEA knowledge management assistance visits to Member States.
The guide highlights common approaches related to knowledge management, such as transferring and preserving knowledge, exchanging information, establishing and supporting of cooperative networks and training the next generation of nuclear experts.
Bridge the gap
“The nuclear industry deals with complex technology. Through the knowledge management visits programme, which consists of visiting multidisciplinary expert peer review teams, the IAEA provides guidance on the implementation of knowledge management initiatives and programmes in operating nuclear facilities,” de Grosbois said.
Practices in knowledge management that Member States have implemented are summarized in the guide. These include how to engage and promote greater awareness about the importance of having the right skill sets and experience in the organization and how to bridge the knowledge gap between the retiring workforce and the new generation of managers.
This publication is part of the IAEA Nuclear Energy Series that provides insightful and practical information for stakeholders on the safe use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
This November, the IAEA is hosting the Third International Conference on Nuclear Knowledge Management – Challenges and Approaches.
