Knowledge for development [KfD] strategy, FY 2004-2008

This new knowledge management policy aims to synthesize knowledge sharing activities and resources already in use, while laying a strong foundation on which to build a truly cross-cutting, agency-wide Knowledge for Development capability.

Activities planned over 2004-6 include:

• Communities of Practice (CoPs): Informal groups (organized around specific Agency functions, roles or topics such as Program Planning and Strategic Planning, Contracting Officers, Gender) of USAID practitioners able to share the knowledge and expertise needed to more effectively perform their jobs.
• After Action Learning (AAL) Methods and Tools: A means for continuous (Before, During and After) learning and improvement techniques.
• Guidelines and Training on KfD Strategy Preparation Mission KfD plans to meet knowledge needs and requirements of the Missions.
• USAID Taxonomy Improved Search and Retrieval: capabilities by identifying hierarchical subject categories (taxonomy) for organization and classification of USAID knowledge.
• Collaboration Tools Suite: web-based solutions for sharing, co-creation and use of information and knowledge by Agency groups such as organizational units, teams, projects, communities, etc.
• Development Marketplace Portal: A single point of access to all field-based development knowledge and activities integrated to all available knowledge repositories, lessons learned, best practices, collaborative work-spaces, communities of practice, learning resources, and other knowledge-sharing tools. The KfD “One-Stop Shop”
• Trained Mission and Bureau Knowledge Coordinators: a group of “go-to” people who can identify and catalogue existing knowledge sharing capabilities as well as clearly state unmet knowledge sharing needs. These Knowledge Coordinators will spread knowledge best practices throughout the Knowledge Coordinator network.