Context and Semantics for Knowledge Management

Companies and institutions depend heavily on their knowledge and information, but using them well is hard. Too much data makes it difficult to find what matters, and much expertise remains in employees' heads, where others cannot reach it. The book is driven by the goal of making knowledge work more productive.

The volume draws on the EU-funded ACTIVE project and on related research by other groups. It examines three approaches: combining Web 2.0 with semantic technology, delivering information according to context, and using software to support informal working practices.

The book has five parts. Part I introduces the subject and the opportunities and difficulties organizations face when adopting Web 2.0. Part II covers the technologies and methodologies developed in ACTIVE. Part III reports on three case studies that evaluated them within the project. Part IV opens with market trends for knowledge management solutions and then presents chapters on complementary work. Part V draws conclusions and points to areas for further research.

The book is aimed at academic and industrial researchers who want a current overview of semantic and Web 2.0 technologies for knowledge management and personal productivity. Practitioners will also find the case studies useful, as they show advanced applications in these fields.