Knowledge management at the Technical University of Madrid

Abstract

Based on the uniqueness of its origin and creation, the Polytechnic University of Madrid has developed procedures to identify, manage and share the intellectual assets of its members. The main goal is to exploit its knowledge resources to reach a better position in an increasingly competitive context, with the expectation of attracting good students, getting greater research resources and achieving a higher international standing. This article describes the main activities and achievements that have been developed along different points of view. First, we have to consider the educational resources such as: efforts to improve the integration of new students, the development of generic skills or the implementation of virtual and remote laboratories accessible through the Internet. Second, there are those related to the management of spaces and organizational structures such as: the creation of Educational Innovation Teams or the development of innovation policies. Third, we present the information systems such as: the DataWare- House or the data collected from the application of questionnaires to the staff or the students. Finally and especially, we can’t forget the people as an irreplaceable element in the process of knowledge management. We have tried to maintain a comprehensive approach combining the ability to manage information and resources with the ability of humans to create and innovate.