In 2023, the world of knowledge management is set to be revolutionized by a number of exciting trends that will shape the way businesses grow, operate, and interact with customers.
The digital revolution is transforming the way we work and learn, and technology is playing a major role in this. Knowledge management is no exception and is becoming increasingly important as organizations look to streamline processes, improve customer experiences, and gain competitive advantage.
So, what does the future look like when it comes to knowledge management? Here are 10 trends for knowledge management in 2023.
In this blog:
1. AI-Powered knowledge management
AI-powered knowledge management will be a key trend in 2023. Chat GPT and the recent launch of Microsoft Copilot is certainly causing a buzz. Copilot allows you, the end user, to ask for information or data using your natural language (this is what is known as the natural language prompt). Read more on our popular blog: Microsoft 365 Copilot and Business Chat Explained.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Knowledge Management (KM) are becoming increasingly intertwined as technology advances and organizations strive to improve efficiency and productivity. As AI continues to evolve, the integration of this technology in the workplace is only going to increase.
AI has the potential to automate many processes and tasks involved with knowledge management, such as data mining, search and retrieval, and user profiling. AI can also be used to help organizations more effectively manage their data and information, allowing them to access and leverage knowledge in more meaningful ways. By combining AI and KM, organizations can gain insights into customer behavior and develop better strategies to improve customer service. AI can also be used to help employees stay up to date with the latest developments in their field, helping them to make more informed decisions and provide better service to customers.
Ultimately, AI and KM can help organizations achieve greater success by providing efficient solutions for managing knowledge and leveraging it to their advantage.
2. Intelligent automation
Automation will be a major trend in knowledge management in the coming years. Automated technologies, such as natural language processing, can help to streamline the process of curating and organizing information, as well as enable organizations to quickly access the most relevant data. Automation will also enable organizations to quickly respond to customer inquiries and provide more personalized services.
Download a recording of the webinar: Automating Document Lifecycle with Next Gen Content Services in Microsoft 365.
3. Machine learning
Machine learning is another trend that will have an impact on knowledge management in 2023. This technology can be used to analyze large datasets and uncover valuable insights. Organizations can use machine learning to better understand customer needs and preferences, and to make more informed decisions.
4. Contextualized learning
Contextualized learning is a trend that provides learners with learning materials that are tailored to their individual needs and context. Contextualized learning is an approach to education that focuses on the integration of learning and real-world experiences. It is based on the assumption that knowledge and skills are better acquired when they are related to a situation and context that learners can relate to and understand.
By leveraging AI and machine learning, contextualized learning can provide learners with a personalized learning experience, allowing them to access relevant knowledge in a timely manner.
5. Unified experience of knowledge
As organizations move towards more centralized KM systems, the focus on user-friendly digital tools is going to be paramount.
This is particularly key when it comes to ensuring workplace diversity; while younger employees might find it easy to navigate a digital interface, older employees might struggle to adapt to new and evolving digital tools. As older populations remain in the workforce for longer1, it’s essential for organizations to use knowledge management platforms that are simple, efficient and priorities UX.
Aside from ensuring workplace diversity, user-friendly platforms also help to reduce overheads for growing companies; if a knowledge management system is simple to use, this means less money spent on employee training. Even better, a KM system that integrates training and digital upskilling into the interface itself with the help of AI and AR enables employees to teach themselves how to use new tools.
6. Social media influence on knowledge management
The efficiency and popularity of social media – as well as familiarity with its mechanisms for most employees – has made it one of the most influential factors in creating modern knowledge management systems.
Whether it’s with the aggregation of recommended content, quick and speedy notifications, mobile app versions or private and group chats, KM is leaning into the social media framework as developers work to create tools for knowledge management that are engaging, user-friendly and effective, all at the same time.
It's highly likely that knowledge management platforms will increasingly resemble the user-friendly social media interfaces as this influence continues, and this will carry on as social media companies themselves evolve and integrate new emerging technologies into their offerings.
7. Metrics for measuring knowledge initiatives
To measure the success (or shortcomings) of a knowledge management initiative it's important for metrics and analytics to be part of the strategy (or, if you're a developer, implemented in the KM software itself).
Metric analysis of your knowledge management system includes anything from monitoring user engagement and tracking time spent on tasks, to tracking key performance indicators that measure how content is being used by employees, as well as the utility of the content itself.
Whether this analysis is carried out manually or by AI is another question. While tech advances make it easier than ever for employers to track staff productivity, AI is still evolving, so it's important to factor in the occasional false result.
8. Data security and privacy
The importance of data security and privacy is also going to influence knowledge management in 2023 and beyond, especially given the constant threat of cyber-attacks. The importance of staff data privacy will be crucial for organizations.
Secure, cloud-hosted knowledge management solutions are going to become increasingly popular as employers look to protect personal information from malicious hackers, as well as ensure that all employee data is stored in accordance with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) – or similar – regulations.
9. Content tagging
One of the most important goals of knowledge management is simple searching; with a fast search function, workflow is quicker, more streamlined and more productive.
In the knowledge management of 2023 and beyond, this will be facilitated by relevant content tagging. While employees might already be familiar with content-tagging via the use of a Content Management System (CMS), content tagging within a KM that allows content to be tagged by project, year, team and other keywords, is going to facilitate quick and easy collaboration across the organization.
10. Visual features
The replacement of long lists and text with engaging visuals was an inevitability for KM, as both organizations and developers look to streamline searches and make it easier for users to find relevant content.
Replacing text-based features with visuals is going to speed up the use of these digital platforms, enhance the user experience while also ensuring simple navigation for new users. HoverPoint in Atlas is a great example of a tool that enriches content by making it visual and interactive.
Wondering how to keep up with and manage these knowledge management trends? Book a demo of the Atlas Knowledge Management System now
References:
1 Living longer: older workers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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