From the point of view of current research efforts, the problem of expert finding lies
at the intersection of a family of endeavors as shown in Figure 1. As has been
indicated in the preceding, expert finding capabilities form an important part of
knowledge management systems. CSCW systems integrate such components to
support the identification of individuals to collaborate with in addition to supporting
those who have already identified each other (Hattori, et al, 1999). With expert
finding capabilities as a core, works on what are called “electronic markets for
expertise/human competencies” wherein expertise sellers and buyers transact are
suggested (Lang and Pigneur, 1997). Moukas et al (1998) report that they are
developing software-agent based infrastructure that allows such transaction to take
place.