Creating architectural approaches to knowledge management: an example from the space industry

Purpose – This article aims to provide an insight into the work carried out by a consortium of organizations that have an interest in space activities and to provide a focus on the knowledge architecture that is needed to ensure a viable short‐ and long‐term plan for implementing a successful knowledge management program. Design/methodology/approach – The data for the study were collected by analyzing documents, interviews, group discussions, reviewing technical specifications, and by participating in online group discussions via a dedicated knowledge management portal created for the group Findings – Generating and maintaining organizational knowledge and identifying lessons learned from space project management activities is a crucial activity for planning future projects. One of the most important elements in transferring knowledge is creating a knowledge management system that supports the organizational processes and is based on a sound technical foundation. Practical implications – This article has resulted from the sharing of knowledge, procedures, and details of technical systems between space organizations from around the world. This approach should be considered by other sectors. Originality/value – The article describes an architectural approach to creating a knowledge management system.