Knowledge Management (KM) arose as a distinct administrative movement and area of managerial practice during the 90s. The movement follows the fact, since World War II, that the main factor of creation of wealth is on based on knowledge. At the moment, depending on the sector, this growth averages 70% and growing. In knowledge intense industries the tendency is 100% growth. But in our economic systems, accounting and staff systems are designed to manage production based primarily in tangibles that are characterized by the agricultural and industrial economies. These systems are not able to capture, process and capitalize the biggest part in their current wealth. This is the size of the opportunity.

Already in process is the establishment of ANSII/ISO international standards for KM. Similar to quality and environmental control standards, KM standards will be applied in this field. The KM movement consolidates as an area of managerial practice, with 60% of Fortune 500 companies undertaking formal programs and designating CKOs (Chief Knowledge Officer). While the area of consultancy is quickly growing, universities response has been slow.

The urgency for academia to get up to speed regarding KM is demonstrated in I3 Update, one of the most influential bulletins in the industry: " "…the world of academia, business and consultancy … are failing to build the structure needed for developing vitally needed generic knowledge management competencies for the future..." (I3 UPDATE 24, October 1998).

The Center for Knowledge Systems, consistent with its focus, deliberately designs a process of formation of KM competencies as a Knowledge Management exercise. In this way the learning offer is based mainly in the development, philosophical consolidation and technique of KM processes. This has been achieved by applying an investigation action cycle since its origins. This academic experience is directed internally at Tecnológico de Monterrey and externally through its continuous education programs. The CKS has established the presence of the Alliances in these programs including the Knowledge Management Consortium International (KMCI) and the University of Deusto postgraduate program, among others.

In this way, in order to satisfy the growing necessity of technical development and formation of the KM field, the CKS, makes synergy with diverse committed entities. With this goal it develops and promotes learning options in KM. The academic learning option in KM has been applied at the Bachelor and Master levels at Tecnológico de Monterrey. The Center for Knowledge Systems developed a curriculum in agreement with the Monterrey Tec School of Business (EGADE) and the Tecnológico de Monterrey Graduate Program in Computing, Information and Communications (PGCIC).CKS also has developed a subject offer in KM for the Master Degree in Information Sciences and Knowledge Management of the Tec's Virtual University.

The continuous education program constitutes a deschooling learning option in KM, highly practical and experiential allowing greater flexibility to those interested in the field. This program also provides a strong integration between personal interests, work activities and learning.