On your bike

Everyone’s talking about the ‘Boris Bikes’ cycle hire scheme in London. If you work in the City you have no doubt seen the docking stations popping up all over the place – and an impressive number of people whizzing about, with briefcases secured in the front baskets and lights flashing. Although, I have noted that Mr Johnson himself is sticking with his own trusty ‘steed’, on the occasions where he has pedalled past me on London Bridge.

There are obvious comparisons to be made with cities elsewhere in the world, which have been operating similar schemes in a bid to encourage greener travel and people are already chatting about the aesthetics and functionality of the London bikes compared to those deployed in Paris.

It's a great idea, albeit an ambitious one. Sceptics have been quick to point out that the bikes are highly likely to be vandalised or stolen, if not wrapped around lamp posts. And that brings up the issue of helmets: do we have to wear them? Should they be supplied with the bikes?

These questions don’t quite take the shine off the project; it’s benefits are clear and if the organisers manage to pull it off, the Boris Bikes will likely be remembered as one of the most innovative transport schemes to be introduced to the City in a long time.

It’s a reminder that true innovation means stepping outside of our comfort zone and taking risks – measured risk, perhaps, but if we don’t challenge the norm how do we ever progress or stand out from the crowd?

This seems to be the overriding theme in this issue, which in many ways serves as a summary of where KM has been and where it is headed. Both Lee Bryant and Andrew Hedley explore the opportunities and threats for knowledge professionals, from different perspectives. Bryant looks at the relationship between IT and KIM, among other key themes. Hedley discusses how KM can be aligned more closely with firm-wide strategy and business development – arguing that in order to be truly successful, KM in many firms needs to be completely repositioned.

“Of course, such a role is strikingly different to that which many knowledge professionals currently fulfil,” Says Hedley. “For some it will be seen as a great opportunity, while for others it will not be a career route they wish to follow.”

The first group, he concludes, will be small in number but will have a huge impact on the future success of their firms.

Perhaps the decision isn’t dissimilar to that of remaining in the car with the air con switched on, or leaving it at home and getting on your bike…

Kate Clifton
Managing editor