A framework for knowledge security in aerospace inter-organizational Network

The design of complex new aerospace products requires wide and deep collaborations among firms and in many cases also with competitors collaborating and, at the same time, protecting the valuable knowledge assets. In this context, knowledge protection means defining which knowledge assets must be shared and introducing policies and systems to protect them. Framed in the above premises, this paper presents the preliminary results of an on-going innovative research project i-Design Foundation (iDF) aimed to develop methodologies and technologies to support collaborative product design in aerospace value networks. Findings suggest an integrated organisational and technological framework describing: a) the modelling of collaboration´s scenarios of a network of companies involved in innovative projects; b) an architectural framework to protect the codified knowledge assets shared. The paper is of value for managers that can get insights in knowledge security mechanisms and technological solutions supporting the collaboration in wider innovative projects.