Knowledge management from the evolutionary perspective

The evolutionary algorithms community tends to concentrate efforts on improving optimisation procedures. To a degree this seems a waste, since some of the expertise gained with computer simulations might also be relevant to the organisation of real-life innovative processes. It might be especially useful at the moment at present, particularly as it is becoming obvious that the supposedly rational, linear scheme of research-development production has failed to meet expectations, and as the knowledge economy tries to define what really works in innovative enterprises. In an attempt to provoke some discussion, this text focuses briefly on parallels between the findings of the new science of knowledge management and the characteristics observed in evolving populations.