Knowledge angels

The term knowledge angel is used for depicting those people in information industries who are the most expert, understand innovations in their sector and add the most value to companies such as KIBS (knowledge intensive business services).
Description
History of the concept
A group of European researchers have coined the term "Knowledge Angels" in analogy to “business angels”. The ambition of the scholars working at the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research, in Karlsruhe (Germany) and at BETA (University of Strasbourg, France) was to better understand how individual “talented” people make a difference in the way knowledge is created, organised and flows within a company and with its partners.
Empirical research was performed so far in Germany, China and France (2008-2009).
Working hypotheses
According to the hypothesis formulated in this respect and to the first empirical results (cf. Muller/Zenker/Héraud, 2009), knowledge angels most probably:
*(i) are embedded in a context constituted by the KIBS they work for (and not just co-operating with or supporting them) and are not acting alone;
*(ii) belong to the "knowledge workers" but are more than just information or knowledge brokers;
*(iii) belong to the "talented people" who "make a difference"
*(iv) make (or allow) "things to happen" (i.e. have a kind of catalyst effect for their direct environment) and/or "see" things before they happen; and
*(v) are to a certain extent generating their own markets (and/or creating their jobs and working environments).
Extensions
Following the seminal article of Muller (2008), other researchers have chosen to address the question in their respective areas. The methodology is then being applied by researchers in new areas :
* Jose C. Ramos of avanzalis knowledge associates is working with Pr. Esther Hormiga in Barcelona (Spain)
* Francis Gosselin, a Ph.D. candidate in Strasbourg and HEC Montreal has utilized the MosaiC platform to pursue work in Montreal (Quebec, Canada)
* Francis Blanrue, founder and associate director of the consulting cabinet Strasbourg Conseil has performed similar duties in Ile de France
* The EcoBusiness Angels Club of Paris has made reference to the concept in various public occasions.

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