Abstract

This paper presents a new formal approach to the modelling of information reuse and integration for
innovation. Not all information is useful for innovation, and many ideas do not become profitable. We
believe that information resources should not only be available, but also should be capable and compatible
with the required information/needs. Use of relevant tools for information management should improve the
capacity for effective decision making for innovation. Use of data mining technologies for the extraction of
potentially useful information may not always produce the required information. Hidden or previously
unknown information may be found in datasets, but the required information for innovation may not be in
the datasets. There is a need for the development of techniques to ensure that decision makers are provided
with capable and compatible information. Profile Theory is used for the analysis and modelling of reuse
and integration of available information.