Knowledge management in small and medium enterprises: a systematic literature review, bibliometric analysis, and research agenda

Abstract

Purpose

Knowledge management effects on business performances are of great importance for companies. Yet, they are still overlooked by current literature. Moreover, the use of methods for bibliometric reviews and content analysis reinforces the need for relevant work on the current state of knowledge management application. To this end, this study aims to identify the main barriers for the application of knowledge management in small and medium-sized enterprises. A research agenda is then proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was performed using data collection, bibliometric analysis and content analysis' steps. The sample used in this study contained 45 papers. For the bibliometric analysis, the authors used the bibliometrix (in RStudio). The content analysis was then performed to infer barriers, factors of relevance and an agenda of questions for future research.

Findings

The authors found that using knowledge management techniques to optimize business performance results in competitive advantages for small and medium-sized companies. This study contributes to both practitioners and academics by providing a list of 19 barriers, 12 factors and 36 research questions related to knowledge management in small and medium-sized companies to develop future theoretical and practical studies.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates the propensity and interest of small and medium-sized companies in using knowledge management. However, some barriers might make it difficult to implement this approach.

Citation

Ramos Cordeiro, E., Lermen, F.H., Mello, C.M., Ferraris, A. and Valaskova, K. (2024), "Knowledge management in small and medium enterprises: a systematic literature review, bibliometric analysis, and research agenda", Journal of Knowledge Management, Vol. 28 No. 2, pp. 590-612. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-10-2022-0800