Knowledge asset
A knowledge asset refers to an organisation's intellectual resources. It can be in the form of information, ideas, understanding, learning, memory, patents, policies, databases, software, or various types of skills, expertise, and capabilities of an organisation's workforce.
The UK government in their knowledge asset management (KAM) guidance document the Rose Book, define 5 categories of knowledge assets; information assets, innovation assets, creative assets, reputational assets and know-how.
Contents |
[edit] Information knowledge assets
Types of information knowledge assets that might be included generally cover data and other information. The relevant Intellectual Property (IP) rights and other methods of protection may include; database rights; copyrights; Crown copyright; non-disclosure agreements (NDAs); contracts; trade secrets.
[edit] Innovation knowledge assets
Types of Innovation knowledge assets can include, inventions and designs. These are usually protected via Intellectual Property (IP) rights and other methods of protection such as patents; designs or plant varieties.
[edit] Creative knowledge assets
Types of creative knowledge assets might include texts, videos, graphics, software and source codes. The relevant Intellectual Property (IP) rights and other methods of protection may include copyright, performers’ rights, and designs or Crown copyright.
[edit] Reputational knowledge assets
Types of reputational knowledge assets might include; Brands and services. The relevant Intellectual Property (IP) rights and other methods of protection may include trade marks and other badges of origin or goodwill.
[edit] Know-how
Know-how as a knowledge assets might include expertise such as project management, process efficiency and ways of working. Know-how could be associated with any or all of the IP rights, but is not usually protectable in itself, other than by trade secrecy and keeping confidentiality.
For further guidance on knowledge asset management refer to the UK government published Rose Book, for further information regarding knowledge asset classes and types visit refer to the Rose Book Annex A.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Asset management.
- BIM glossary of terms.
- BIM resources.
- BS ISO 55000:2014 Asset management. Overview, principles and terminology.
- Building information modelling.
- Built asset.
- Concept-knowledge theory.
- Constructed asset.
- Construction knowledge sources.
- Construction knowledge survey.
- Construction knowledge.
- Data.
- Enterprise asset management.
- Fixed asset.
- Indigenous knowledge.
- Knowledge.
- Knowledge based economy.
- Knowledge classification.
- Knowledge gap.
- Knowledge management in construction.
- Knowledge pyramid.
- Knowledge standard.
- Knowledge task group.
- Local knowledge.
- PAS 1192-2.
- PAS 1192-3.
- Real estate.
- Specification for Discoverable Construction Knowledge.
- Stranded assets.
- Tangible v intangible assets.
- Traditional knowledge.
- Types of construction knowledge.
Featured articles and news
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.

























