Knowledge management and social innovation

State of the Art Review

Abstract

The current review aims to explore the topic of knowledge management and social innovation. This is achieved by defining the terms in the review, identifying their earliest appearances and associated concepts, identifying the beginnings of studies, developments, and research trends in the review topic, and identifying conferences, workshops, and associations that have addressed the topic. It also tracks the review terms using a digital indicator that describes the volume of scientific production in databases and digital search engines. Finally, it highlights the most important research trends in the topic, relying on a search and retrieval methodology to achieve the review's objectives. The review concluded that the two topics first became linked at the Seventh Knowledge Management Conference in 2006. It also concluded that the concept of social innovation is not limited to a specific sector but rather focuses on societal needs in any sector. It is also related to achieving the goals of sustainable development and improving the quality of human life. Furthermore, there are no published studies or scientific papers in Arabic-language academic literature that link knowledge management and social innovation. While this review is not the first of its kind, it distinguishes itself from others in that it addresses knowledge management as a general, comprehensive concept and its connection to social innovation, not as a process or practice.