The purpose of this paper is the evaluation of largest corporations' position in the world's economy and the influence of basic knowledge elements on building the competitive potential of the global business leading corporations. The main objective of this research is to analyze the empirical material obtained from Fortune Global 500 corporations, and the impact of basic knowledge elements on building a company's international competitiveness.
The research project incorporated surveys and interviews from the Fortune Global 500 corporations (2003 version).
The findings of the research carried out among the world's business leaders clearly indicate that knowledge management does influence companies' international competitiveness. Functioning in the global economy without efficient management is the same as drifting in a boat with no compass on boundless oceans. However, according to the research outcome, not all knowledge resources are necessary for reaching the purpose. It appears that the key to success is not primarily skilful management of endless knowledge, but the ability of directing activity to those knowledge resources which are critical for the organization's economic operations.
The paper examines the influence of basic knowledge elements on building a competitive potential for a corporation and conditions of management that have an impact on competitiveness.
