International Journal of Knowledge-Based Development (5 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• The Mediating Role of Transformational Leadership in the Relationship between Artificial Intelligence and Organizational Performance  
  by Seifallah Andayesh, Zahra Kianrad, Heidar Ahmadi, Shib Sankar Sana 
  Abstract: This study investigates the mediating role of transformational leadership in the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) capability and organizational performance. Using a descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 141 employees (based on Cochran’s formula) through a five-point Likert scale. AI capability was measured using the 22-item scale developed by Chen et al. (2022), organizational performance using the 19-item scale by Maltick (2015), and transformational leadership using the 12-item scale by Siswanto & Yuliana (2022). The results showed a significant positive relationship between AI capability and organizational performance. Additionally, AI capability had a positive effect on transformational leadership. Moreover, transformational leadership was significantly and positively associated with organizational performance. Most importantly, transformational leadership played a significant mediating role in the relationship between AI capability and organizational performance. This study contributes to the literature on organizational AI by highlighting how leadership mechanisms can effectively translate AI capabilities into enhanced organizational performance.
  Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Organizational Performance; Transformational Leadership.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKBD.2026.10079643
   
  
• Unlocking Success in Public Sector Management Through Effective Knowledge Management Practices: A Systematic Literature Review  
  by Baboucarr Mbowe, Ali Osman Kusakci 
  Abstract: This study, grounded on the knowledge-based view (KBV) theory, aimed to provide a contemporary bibliometric analysis of the literature on public sector knowledge management (PSKM). After following a rigorous set of criteria, 98 peer-reviewed papers from 4 databases, published from 2002 to 2025, were used to perform analyses and scientific mappings using the VOSviewer software package. The findings from our analyses indicate a growing interest in the field. This study also indicated emerging themes such as developing countries, knowledge management practices, knowledge sharing, local government, and tacit knowledge. The implication of this research includes a call to action for academics in this field to work on developing a comprehensive body of knowledge. Furthermore, practitioners and governments are expected to develop knowledge management policies to govern the knowledge transformation journey of their countries. The role of digitalisation in supporting knowledge management programs is also a critical agenda that should be considered.
  Keywords: Public Sector Knowledge Management; Knowledge Management; Bibliometric Analysis; Developing Countries.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKBD.2026.10080344
   
  
• Knowledge-based rural development: A research agenda for conceptual positioning  
  by Teemu Makkonen, Tommi Inkinen 
  Abstract: The study of knowledge-based development (KBD) has largely concentrated on large cities but neglected rural regions. Here, this evident research gap is addressed by positioning KBD processes into rural development. The paper argues that rural regions would benefit from a KBD approach. There are naturally limitations for rural regions in adopting the urban-centric KBD concept but at the same time there are also distinct advantages that rural regions possess in terms of KBD compared to their urban counterparts. A review of existing studies and related real-world examples of KBD in rural contexts leads to a proposed extension of the contemporary urban-informed KBD framework comprising economic, organisational, social and spatial qualities. The proposed extension includes an underlined importance given to bottom-up approaches and the local community (community quality) as well as to local networks and external cooperation (connective quality) when assessing KBD in rural regions.
  Keywords: Community; Connectivity; Finland; Innovation; Knowledge-based development; Municipalities; Regions; Rural; Urban.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKBD.2026.10081454
   
  
• Building innovation talent capacity in knowledge-intensive regions: evidence from Beijing, Shanghai and the Greater Bay Area  
  by Cun Guo, Jian Huang 
  Abstract: Knowledge-intensive regions require not only research and development investment, platforms and industrial clusters, but also mechanisms that generate, renew, allocate and apply innovation talent capacity. This article examines how Beijing, Shanghai and the mainland side of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area configured such capacity between 2006 and 2026. Based on 48 policy documents, it analyses policy instruments, talent-capacity orientations and governance modes. The findings show a shift from institutional foundation to resource expansion and demand embedding. Supply-side instruments are mainly associated with quality upgrading, while demand-side instruments are more closely associated with knowledge transformation. However, resource provision and application-oriented outcomes remain weakly coupled. The article conceptualises innovation talent capacity as a regional knowledge asset shaped by policy configuration and governance capacity.
  Keywords: knowledge-intensive regions; innovation talent; human capital; policy configuration; regional innovation systems; collaborative governance; China.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKBD.2026.10081710
   
  
• Leadership, Knowledge Sharing and Safety Maturity in the Use of Agricultural Pesticides  
  by Valdesir Stange, Jaime Dagostim Picolo, Melissa Watanabe, Cristina Keiko Yamaguchi, Silvio Camilo 
  Abstract: This study examines how leadership influences knowledge sharing and safety maturity in the use of agricultural pesticides. Data were collected from 237 farmers in southern Brazil through a structured questionnaire. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), the results show that both transformational and transactional leadership indirectly enhance safety maturity through explicit and implicit knowledge sharing. Leadership practices that foster trust, clear communication and continuous learning strengthen the dissemination of safety knowledge and the adoption of safer behaviours. The study contributes by clarifying the mechanisms linking leadership and knowledge sharing to safety behaviour, and by introducing a hierarchical construct of safety maturity encompassing all stages of pesticide management, from acquisition to disposal. The findings provide guidance for training and policy initiatives aimed at promoting safer and more sustainable agricultural practices.
  Keywords: Leadership; Knowledge sharing; Safety maturity; Agricultural pesticides; Pesticide management.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJKBD.2026.10081712