Knowledge-Sharing in Value-Chain Networks: Certifying Collaborators for Effective Protection Processes‪.‬

INTRODUCTION Three major trends have come together at the start of the new millennium, raising the stakes for firms seeking to compete in the new economy. Initially, knowledge management (KM, also referred to as intellectual capital) poses the idea that every organization holds knowledge in the minds of its personnel that can be identified, collected, and managed for competitive advantage. Relatedly, modern internet technology has enabled knowledge management to be more easily accomplished while also taking the concept outside of the firm's borders. With advanced data management capabilities, instant communication throughout a network, and a mechanism to tie together disparate computer systems, cutting-edge firms are able to use the knowledge of their entire value chain as a competitive weapon.