The Use of Conceptual Maps for Competencies Mapping and Knowledge Formalization in a Virtual Lab

Abstract

In this work we address the need to formalize knowledge in a systematic way in order to productively explore it. We present a methodology on how to capture and archive information and then transform this plain information into valuable knowledge. In a specific case study, the competencies of each node/organization of a networked Virtual Laboratory have been identified. Conceptual maps aiming to host the identified competencies are structured based on specific rules; the population of the conceptual maps and the mapping of the competencies give a user-friendly overview of the Virtual Lab’s overall knowledge and expertise, considering both internal and cross-organizational aspects. The benefits of this work are described and guidelines for the implementation and introduction of the proposed work to multi-stakeholders environments are provided. The results of this work are expected to be of value to both industrial and academic audience with interests on topics such as knowledge mapping, knowledge formalization, competencies mapping, conceptual maps, tacit knowledge, and ontologies.