Knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) is becoming increasingly popular among companies looking to save money, while still taking advantage of the specialized expertise that highly skilled subject matter experts can offer. Put simply, KPO is the outsourcing of the more complex and knowledge-intensive processes and operations to companies which have the right expertise and resources to carry out those tasks at a lower rate of cost.

KPO is often seen as a step up from more traditional outsourcing, as it involves tasks that require strategic problem-solving and decision-making skills. In addition, KPO often requires that the outsourcer has access to more complex and time-consuming information, such as financial data and marketplace analysis.

KPO is used in a variety of industries, and provides organizations with a range of benefits, including: access to specialized expertise, expert and objective advice on key business processes; improved accuracy of tasks due to outsourcing; an increase in productivity through offshore workers; and a lower cost of operations.

KPO is closely linked to a range of other industries and functions, as it is often used to supplement existing resources or to meet specific business objectives. Areas that KPO covers include data analysis and data-mining, website and application development, market research and analysis, legal research and analysis, and intellectual property management.

KPO is a relatively new concept, and there have been a number of issues associated with it, including contracting issues, security, privacy and liability issues, and potential language misunderstandings. While these issues may cause concern, they can be managed by making sure that all agreements are properly drafted and all parties understand the terms of the arrangements.

KPO enables companies to access specialized expertise and resources, while still controlling costs, and can help organizations to meet their desired business objectives. As the industry continues to develop, it is likely that KPO will become an increasingly popular choice for businesses looking to make the most of their resources.