Model rozproszonego powstawania wiedzy w obszarze nauki o eksploatacji.

A short time ago two models of knowledge production were generally obligatory in the field of maintenance sciences, as well as in other applied sciences. The first one was a linear model of independent development of particular scientific disciplines in academic centres. Another one was a model of forming the scientific-technical policy by national and international structures. The market economy brought new demand for scientific research, in particular generating process of permanent innovativeness. Influence of economic requirements on the undertaken research problems was the direct cause of creating a new formula - a model of dispersed knowledge production. The dispersed knowledge model seems to be very useful in development of maintenance science and practice. The characteristic of the dispersed knowledge model for Polish conditions in the transition period is presented in the article. Its characteristic features and examples of applications in the area of machine maintenance are presented.