The Knowledge Exchange is a new internet gateway which eases the search for construction information. The key organisations tasked with promoting change within the Construction Industry through the Rethinking Construction agenda have linked up to develop a new internet information service that provides access to participating web-sites via a single point of contact or web portal.

The Knowledge Exchange is the result of close collaboration between:

• The Movement for Innovation
• The Construction Best Practice Programme
• The Construction Industry Board
• The Housing Forum
• The Government Construction Clients Panel
• The Local Government Task Force

Links to the web sites of these organisations form the first portal. It is anticipated that this will be the first of many portals operating under the principle of willingness to share information.

The site, www.rethinkingconstruction.org, will allow users to access all the information on the websites of participating organisations via a shared search engine. It was launched this week at the Movement for Innovation’s second annual conference at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

Welcoming the launch, John Hobson, Director of DETR's Construction Directorate and sponsor for the participating organisations said: "The new website is an important demonstration that the main organisations involved in driving the "Rethinking Construction" agenda are pulling together and giving out a clear message of sharing and collaboration. Having a single Rethinking Construction internet gateway and joint search facility will make life easier for anyone in the industry looking for innovation and best practice information. As this Knowledge Exchange develops, I look forward to further web portals being added."

Other shared features will include a common links page, a common events page and the future will see facilities such as a common discussion forum and other knowledge sharing mechanisms.

Anna Lagerkvist