The Research and Knowledge Management (RKM) unit supports MBDA’s goal to become a Knowledge Center for minority business enterprises (MBEs) in the public and private sector.
As the Research arm of the Agency, RKM produces research studies on an array of topics of importance to minority-owned businesses, including capital access, strategies and opportunities for growth, industry trends, innovation and global commerce. The unit also develops demographic trends on minority-owned businesses by racial/ethnic group, gender, industry, and geographic location.
RKM shares products with MBDA’s stakeholders including minority-owned businesses, business development practitioners, government and private sector representatives, and academia to expand the knowledge of minority-owned businesses and provide additional information to assist in shaping programs in support of minority-owned businesses. Research spearheaded by the RKM unit is located on the research library site at http://www.mbda.gov/pressroom/research-library [1].
In the area of Knowledge Management, RKM works to improve efficiencies as well as increase collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders within the minority business development community. Its communities of practice, Partnernet, connects MBDA’s staff and its network of business development centers to share knowledge and best practices on business development, and serve more effectively minority-owned businesses.
Through its e-library, lessons learned sessions, e-training solutions, and other collaborative tools, RKM fosters an environment of continuous learning and development to individual members within its network, assist decision making and improve program efficiencies Agency-wide.