Exploring the knowledge management–innovation nexus: global research insights and emerging themes

Abstract

This study provides a thorough bibliometric analysis of research on knowledge management (KM) and innovation published between 1998 and 2025 using information obtained from the Scopus database. This study aims to map the field's thematic evolution, research productivity, and intellectual organisation across almost 27 years. Bibliometric methods such as science mapping and performance analysis were used to examine 145 documents in total. The findings show a consistent increase in publication output, with a noticeable pick-up after 2015, indicating the growing significance of knowledge management as a catalyst for innovation in the digital economy. The most prolific nations are China, Malaysia, Spain, UK and USA. Studies that receive a lot of citations concentrate on absorptive ability, intellectual capital, information sharing, and the mediating function of innovation performance. From philosophical foundations in the early 2000 s to more technology-focused themes in subsequent years, such as artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0, and digital transformation, keyword co-occurrence analysis reveals a change. By highlighting significant authors, journals, and new research areas, this study adds to the body of knowledge and provides insightful information for academics, industry professionals, and decision-makers who want to promote KM-driven innovation tactics.