ISO 9001 as a tool for improving knowledge management in business ecosystems

This study examines the effect of the ISO 9001 standard on organisations' knowledge management. Understanding this effect may improve the conceptualisation and the creation of knowledge management tools. The first research question examines the relationship between the level of the application of the standard and the level of measurement of knowledge management efficiency. The research results indicate a significant positive correlation between the two variables. The second research question considers only companies that measure knowledge management efficiency and tests whether satisfaction with the application of the standard is correlated with knowledge management efficiency. The findings of this question are mixed. The study's results emphasise the importance of the standard for knowledge management. We find that organisations do not invest sufficiently in knowledge management, especially with respect to efficiency assessment. A successful application of the standard enables better communication between different organisations and government entities. Therefore, to enhance knowledge-based development, policy makers and organisations should improve awareness of knowledge management and efficiency assessment. Such steps will result in higher satisfaction levels and successful application of the ISO 9001 standard.