A knowledge-based system has one or more repositories with information and knowledge for topics, problems, and solutions to problems. One method to find a solution for a problem by generating a knowledge network in a master knowledge repository includes identifying information residing in a client device that is associated with an expert who is capable of solving a problem. The identifying information involves evaluating a characteristic of the expert. The method includes locating the information associated with the expert based upon the evaluated characteristic, and forming a knowledge network to solve the problem based on the located information. The knowledge network has information for at least one expert who is capable of solving the problem. The method also includes storing the knowledge network in the master knowledge repository, and providing access to the stored knowledge in the knowledge network.