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Know-how can be a procedure, process, knowledge of doing things, or a formula to prepare something that cannot be patented but where some pieces are still confidential. The advantage here is the time to develop the know-how. The competitor would be able to develop it, but it would take time. Know-how often falls into the category of enabling technologies; i.e. it facilitates a process but may not be involved in the direct production of something. Our experiences show that companies are often interested not only in patented technologies, but in know-how as well.

The ability to cause a desired result. This may be the most valuable Knowledge element of all. It is forward looking and predictive and reflects the person or organizations ability to act and achieve its goals. This is built on another key Knowledge element "understanding" -what is, what was and why - that deals with knowing historic cause and effect and determining the current state of things.

Practicality - sensible and/or useful, and likely to be effective.

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