Bridging the theory-practice gap: a genealogical perspective on the most debated knowledge management challenges

Patricia Wolf, Erik Skov Madsen and Jessica Annalena Steppe

Knowledge Management Research & Practice, 2025, vol. 23, issue 3, 263-286

Abstract: To address the theory-practice gap in knowledge management research, we identify the most persistent knowledge management challenges and proposed solutions over the past three and a half decades (1991–2023). Based on a systematic literature review combining a bibliometric and a qualitative content analysis, we conceptualise a genealogic (evolutionary) model to map the historical development path of three reappearing root challenges: (1) organisational antecedents to implement a knowledge-sharing culture (2) use of ICT for knowledge transfer and (3) knowledge conversion. We find that while topics 1 and 2 are established topics, topic 3 constantly renews itself by merging with innovation-related research streams. Further, our analysis reveals the general principle that the theory-practice gap opens at the end of the inception phase of a new challenge theme. We conclude that implementing artificial intelligence in knowledge management processes and fostering knowledge creation for sustainable development are the key topics for future research.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/14778238.2024.2379922

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