The knowledge management framework that was considered for this 
exercise consisted of three layers: 
• The core processes of policy development: these processes 
represent the organizational context in which critical information 
Even before knowledge maps had been generated, this exercise 
allowed the identification of knowledge assets and resources as well as of the 
knowledge gaps and weaknesses in policy-making. It was able, for example, to 
verify that the main knowledge assets and resources for DOH policy-making 
are health staff, information systems, databases and health research. These 
knowledge resources are being used for policy development. However, gaps 
were also identified, such as: incomplete, outdated or unreliable databases; 
insufficient reports on the monitoring of implemented policies; absence of 
a systematic approach for linking research results with the core processes 
of policy-making; and lack of systematic diagnosis and documentation 
of best practices in the field. Furthermore, there were areas of weakness 
in professional knowledge, which highlighted the need to improve staff 
capability for policy analysis and political mapping, as well as their skills in 
professional legislative lobbying and negotiation.