From knowledge stock to innovation flow: strategies for organizational learning and renewal

Purpose – While the relationship between knowledge management (KM) and innovation has been extensively studied, the dynamic processes that transform existing knowledge assets into innovative outputs remain underexplored. This study aims to investigate how organizations can cultivate continuous innovation by strategically leveraging their knowledge assets. It examines the perspectives of KM professionals on the systemic connections between KM and the development of innovation capacity. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative, inductive methodology was adopted, involving 46 interviews with KM experts and a web ethnography of two KM-focused Facebook groups. A thematic analysis approach was utilized for data analysis. Findings – The results reveal three key interrelationships between KM and innovation, emphasizing the transformation of existing knowledge stocks into continuous innovation flows rather than isolated events. This process is facilitated by adaptive spaces that promote idea exchanges and strategic learning, stimulating knowledge-based innovation. Effective KM practices foster collaboration, accelerate time to market and enhance organizational flexibility, all of which are essential drivers of innovation. As continuous innovation catalyzes organizational renewal, and competitiveness, the findings underscore targeted mechanisms for developing intellectual capital into ongoing value-creation cycles. Originality/value – This study offers a distinctive contribution by illuminating the mechanisms through which KM strategies transform latent knowledge into sustained innovation capacity. It addresses a critical gap by capturing the experiences of KM practitioners in leveraging strategic knowledge to foster innovation within adaptive enterprises. The findings provide fresh theoretical and practical insights into how purposeful KM approaches can systematically enhance organizational learning capabilities and generate impactful innovation outcomes.