A systematic literature review on knowledge management in SMEs: current trends and future directions

Susanne Durst (), Samuel Foli and Ingi Runar Edvardsson
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Susanne Durst: Tallinn University of Technology
Samuel Foli: Tallinn University of Technology
Ingi Runar Edvardsson: University of Iceland

Management Review Quarterly, 2024, vol. 74, issue 1, No 8, 263-288

Abstract: Abstract It is generally known that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a significant driver of employment and economic growth for the majority of world economies. At the same time, SMEs are more fragile in times of crisis which in turn restricts their possibilities for action. In such an environment, it appears even more relevant for SMEs to consider knowledge and its management. Given that, it seems relevant to have an in-depth understanding of knowledge management (KM) in SMEs so that it can be better promoted. Therefore, this paper conducts a systematic literature review of the extant literature on KM in SMEs to present a state-of-the-art understanding. The review covers 180 papers from leading journals that have been published between 2012 and 2022. The review provides insight into the diversity and evolution of KM in SME research and evaluates the extant body of literature covered. Additionally, a framework is proposed that relates existing research on KM to SMEs. The paper concludes with proposals for future research on KM in SMEs.

Keywords: Small and medium-sized enterprises; Small business management; Knowledge management; Knowledge; Systematic literature review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: M0 M1 M10 M19 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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DOI: 10.1007/s11301-022-00299-0

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