Measuring knowledge management in the innovation process: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Performance indicators (PIs) in the knowledge management (KM) field have the potential to be useful for the measurement and management of the innovation process; however, current implementation lacks a systematic approach and research into PI's is quite fragmented. This paper bridges this gap in the prior research by reviewing the existing KM PIs for the innovation process. It classifies existing research to identify the characteristics of relevant publications and collects and systematises 34 PIs. Findings suggest that the PIs mainly address knowledge creation within the innovation process. The results also highlight the gaps in our understanding, such as over-reliance on patents data to measure knowledge creation, lack of indicators to address tacit knowledge and quality of knowledge sharing in collaborative projects. Furthermore, this study may constitute an opportunity for academics to identify relevant measurements instruments and for innovation managers to find an additional basis to support the selection of PIs.