Dear Valued Visitor,
Welcome to GO-TKM, the Global Think-Tank of Organizational Tacit Knowledge Management, a not-for-profit organization based in Brussels, Belgium.
It brings together leading global experts and business people to advance the field of Tacit Knowledge Management (TKM). It is a space where individual expertise meets collective intelligence, sparking new ideas and solutions.
Each member—experienced professionals and academics—contributes unique insights and creativity, making the think-tank a hub for exploring, understanding, and managing tacit knowledge.
For millennia, as we learn and grow, we acquire insights not just from formal education, but from life itself. From infancy, we begin a journey of discovery, gathering wisdom from parents, teachers, and real-life experiences. However, after two decades of schooling, many still find themselves perceived as novices when entering the workforce.
As careers develop and paths diverge, a wealth of experience and tacit knowledge often remains unshared, lost in the transitions of life. When retirement arrives or life comes to a close, only fragments of this invaluable wisdom are captured, leaving a vast reservoir of untapped potential.
Is there a way to break this cycle, where each generation must re-learn what has already been discovered? At GO-TKM, we believe the answer is “YES.” By leveraging the power of tacit knowledge, we aim to enhance global learning efficiency of human beings, even by just 1%!
Our strategy begins with engaging key decision-makers and opinion leaders like you to advocate for the importance of tacit knowledge management (TKM), followed by practical solutions.
We invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we can transform this cycle into a spiral of growth, ensuring that wisdom not only survives but flourishes. Together, we can amplify the whispers of wisdom into a powerful chorus of change, preserving more for our children!
Sincerely
Prof. Sylviane Cannio
President of GO-TKM
GO-TKM，a Global Network Across 70 Countries
More than 100 experts, academics, public servants, and business leaders worldwide have joined GO-TKM, creating a unique space for dialogue on tacit knowledge in organizations.
Over forty are highly active—advising, joining think tanks, keynoting events, and enriching debates year-round. Others contribute through articles, webinars, or advocacy, all reinforcing the effort to highlight the value of tacit knowledge.
GO-TKM is deeply grateful for the time and expertise they share.
Belgium
First Accomplishments
Though GO-TKM is rather new, it managed to make first major steps:
Code of Conduct
The creation of the first Code of Conduct in the world on TKM transmission
Core Competencies
The definition of Core Competencies that TK managers must have to fulfil their mission
Accreditation
An Accreditation process for TK managers and school faculties
TKM think-tanks
The setting-up of first think-tanks on the relationship between TKM and Organizational Performance, Cross-Cultural Teams, Technological Tools and Innovation
White Papaers
Those think-tanks produce articles and white papers that are made available to organizations
Business cases
Business cases and articles on TK transmission and management
Davos Conferences
Conferences, mainly in Davos (Switzerland), both in person and on-line, to share best practices and link the community
Global Network
A network of experts in more than 70 countries
university Partnerships
Collaboration with universities (some partnerships will be announced soon)
Our Solid Ambitions
What is Tacit Knowledge?
Let's look at this story below first:
A broken engine, an old man and a hammer
A giant engine in a factory failed and despite speaking with various ‘experts’ none were able to show the owners how they could solve the problem.
Eventually they brought in an old man who had many years’ experience fixing engines. After inspecting the huge engine for a minute or two, the old man pulled a hammer out of his tool bag. He gently tapped on the engine whereupon it immediately started working.
A week later the owners of the business received an invoice from the old man for ＄20,000. Flabbergasted, they wrote to the old man asking him to send through a breakdown of the invoice. The man replied:
- Tapping with a hammer: ＄2.00
- Knowing where to tap: ＄19,998.00
“Knowing where to tap” was the tacit knowledge of this old man!
Why this concern today?
Employee turnover remains a global challenge, with significant variation by region.
Globally, this represents a massive loss of tacit knowledge, as millions of workers leave their roles each year.
United States:
Voluntary turnover averages 13–15%; overall separation nearly 47% (Mercer, BLS 2023–2024).
Europe:
Most countries average ~10%; UK much higher at 20–35%, with civil service at 12–13% (ONS & Guardian, 2023–2024).
China:
Among the highest worldwide, often above 30%, especially in fast-growing industries (Santen HRD, 2022).
Japan:
One of the lowest, ~6%, linked to seniority-based culture (Santen, 2022).
Australia:
Around 18% on average, though hospitality and retail face far higher levels (PwC, 2023).
Why GO-TKM
What GO-TKM can offer?
Pioneering Authority
We're at the forefront of TKM research, setting the benchmark for thought leadership and best practices.
Innovative Business Solutions
Our resources offer tangible strategies and solutions for integrating tacit knowledge into daily operations, boosting innovation, profitability, revenues and sustained growth.
Global Network
Join a diverse community of like-minded individuals and organizations, fostering collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas.
Empowerment Hub
Access exclusive educational content, webinars, workshops, and expert guidance to unlock your personal and professional potential.
Driving Change
By supporting GO-TKM, you're contributing to a broader societal shift, where Tacit Knowledge becomes a catalyst for positive change and a brighter world.
Mission
Enhancring learning efficiency Through Tacit Knowledge
Raise awareness and equip organizations with tools to value, capture, and transmit their tacit knowledge experience and wisdom that often remain hidden. Engage public authorities to support this transmission, enhancing learning and knowledge sharing across society.
Values
Innovation, Collaboration & Dialogue, Geneosity, Trust...
Innovation – While Knowledge Management is documented, the transmission of tacit knowledge remains unexplored. GO-TKM creates new ways to make the invisible visible.
Collaboration & Dialogue -Teamwork and commitment are our pillars. Small groups secure focus and efficiency.
Generosity – Experts give time and energy for the greater good, enabling some TK models to be shared freely while others are paid services.
Trust – Sharing wisdom can feel risky, from losing influence to misuse of ideas.Trust creates the safe space where knowledge flows openly.
Respect – Respect means valuing diverse views, honoring contributions, and recognizing the dignity of both giver and receiver. It ensures fair and meaningful transmission.
Vision
Shaping Tomorrow by Embracing Wisdom Today
Empowering organizations and individuals through innovative and collaborative approaches to unlock and manage tacit knowledge for global impact.
GO-TKM Management Team
Advisory Board
Prof. Leif Edvinsson
Advisory Board
Dr. Mohan Guruswamy
Advisory Board
Global Executive Board
Prof. Sylviane Cannio
President
Dr. Paul O Olson
Global Vice President
Prof. Eric Tsui
Global Chief Academic Officer
Fisher YU
Secretary-General
Regional Presidents(RP)
Prof. Wernher Friedrich
RP-Africa
Mr. Rajesh Dhillon
RP-Asia Pacific
Dr. Bebeka Cosandey
RP-Europe
Mr. John Hovell
RP- North America
Mr. Omar Osses
RP-South America
Regional Chief Academic Officers (RCAO)
Mr. Kholane Clarkeson Chauke
RCAO-Africa
Dr. Bruce Boyes
RCAO-Asia Pacific
Prof. Josh Plaskoff
RCAO-North America
Country Chief Academic Officers (CCAO)
Dr. Patrick S.W. Fong
CCAO-Australia
GO-TKM Organizational Chart
- Prof. Leif Edvinsson
- Dr. Mohan Guruswamy
- President : Prof. Sylviane Cannio
- Global Vice President: Dr. Paul O Olson
- Global Chief Academic Officer: Professor Eric Tsui
- Global Vice President-Accreditation:(Open)
- Secretary-General: Fisher YU
- RCAO-Africa:Mr. Kholane Clarkeson Chauke
- RCAO-Asia Pacific: Dr. Bruce Boyes
- RCAO-Europe:(Open)
- RCAO-Middle East:(Open)
- RCAO-North America: Prof. Josh Plaskoff
- RCAO-South America: (Open)
- Chile: Mrs. Marisol Castillo Vargas
- CCAO-Australia: Dr. Patrick S.W. Fong
- Pending
To be updated
To be updated
Connect With Us
Join us in redefining the way Tacit Knowledge is understood, harnessed, and leveraged. Together, we can unlock the latent potential within individuals, organizations, and societies, propelling humanity towards a brighter, more informed future.
Explore the uncharted territories of Tacit Knowledge Management with GO-TKM. Be part of a movement that will shape the destiny of Tacit Knowledge.
- Join the Movement
- Explore our Resources
- Get Involved