Fundamental concept of knowledge management system for geological disposal technology

Umeki, Hiroyuki; Osawa, Hideaki  ; Naito, Morimasa ; Nakano, Katsushi; Makino, Hitoshi 

Geological disposal technology is a multi-disciplinary field and needs a wide range of relevant information to develop its safety case. Knowledge is defined here in the very widest sense to include all of the information, both explicit and tacit, which underpins a repository project. Knowledge management covers all aspects of the development, integration, quality assurance, communication and maintenance/archiving of such knowledge - including data, information, understanding and experience. In order to ensure that required knowledge is accessible to all stakeholders, including the implementer, the regulator, political decision-makers and general public and that gaps can be identified and prioritised, it is important that knowledge base are structured in a clear and logical manner. In this report, the fundamental concept of the knowledge management system (KMS) for the Japanese high-level radioactive waste (HLW) disposal programme is discussed by illustrating characteristics of an ideal formal KMS and associated knowledge base which could be supported by sophisticated information technology tools, based on the knowledge vision described in the research report "H17: Development and management of the technical knowledge base for the geological disposal of HLW; Knowledge Management Report". In addition, a mid-term plan up to the fiscal year 2009 is discussed for development and installation of the KMS.