Article: Knowledge management in the public sector of emerging economies: a literature review Journal: International Journal of Business Excellence (IJBEX) 2026 Vol.38 No.6 pp.1 - 21 Abstract: This study analyses knowledge management (KM) in the public sector of emerging economies, aiming to identify patterns, gaps, opportunities, and facilitators to strengthen KM practices through evidence-based recommendations. Using a systematic literature review of 23 articles with an integrative and theoretical-empirical approach, it finds that KM enhances innovation and institutional resilience by enabling adaptation to complex and changing contexts, positioning KM as a key strategic tool for improving efficiency. However, technological limitations and restrictive organisational cultures remain critical barriers that hinder knowledge retention and exchange, potentially leading to the loss of key personnel and reduced KM effectiveness. The study contributes originality by examining KM sharing strategies, barriers, maturity levels, retention outcomes, and innovation, emphasising the importance of achieving organisational maturity and identifying future research directions in KM within emerging economies. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Knowledge management in the public sector of emerging economies: a literature review

Authors: Jetssy F. Yshikawa-Arias; Pablo J. Arana-Barbier

Addresses: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), Lima, Perú; Centrum Católica Graduate Business School (CCGBS), Lima, Perú ' Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), Lima, Perú; Centrum Católica Graduate Business School (CCGBS), Lima, Perú

Abstract: This study analyses knowledge management (KM) in the public sector of emerging economies, aiming to identify patterns, gaps, opportunities, and facilitators to strengthen KM practices through evidence-based recommendations. Using a systematic literature review of 23 articles with an integrative and theoretical-empirical approach, it finds that KM enhances innovation and institutional resilience by enabling adaptation to complex and changing contexts, positioning KM as a key strategic tool for improving efficiency. However, technological limitations and restrictive organisational cultures remain critical barriers that hinder knowledge retention and exchange, potentially leading to the loss of key personnel and reduced KM effectiveness. The study contributes originality by examining KM sharing strategies, barriers, maturity levels, retention outcomes, and innovation, emphasising the importance of achieving organisational maturity and identifying future research directions in KM within emerging economies.

Keywords: knowledge management; international best practices; knowledge sharing strategies; emerging economies; institutional barriers; organisational innovation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2026.151398

International Journal of Business Excellence, 2026 Vol.38 No.6, pp.1 - 21

Received: 18 Oct 2025
Accepted: 22 Oct 2025
Published online: 26 Jan 2026 *

Title: Knowledge management in the public sector of emerging economies: a literature review

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