Knowledge management practices and the competitiveness imperative: a polymorphous analysis in the age of the knowledge economy

This research paper examines knowledge management (KM) practices through a sector-based analysis, highlighting its decisive role in an economic landscape where knowledge is now the epicenter of value creation. This research work opens with a theoretical exploration of the concepts of knowledge economy and knowledge society, laying the conceptual foundations needed to understand the rise of KM as an essential strategic lever and imperative approach to ensuring competitiveness. Using a qualitative methodology and an approach based on content scraping and sectoral exploration, the article reveals that, despite notable variations across sectors, KM practices are converging towards a common goal of optimizing the strategic impact of knowledge to catalyze innovation, process efficiency and organizational resilience. This exploration also highlights the contextual adaptations of KM practices, highlighting how each sector adjusts its tools and practices to meet specific needs. In addition, it questions the current limits of these practices in light of the rapid pace of digital transformation. This research highlights the practical and strategic implications of these knowledge management practices, demonstrating that, in a globalized environment marked by uncertainty and versatility, the ability to capture, structure and capitalize on knowledge is a key driver of competitiveness. The conclusions call for greater adoption of disruptive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and big data, to increase the effectiveness of KM systems. In conclusion, the article stresses the urgent need for further research in this field to anticipate the challenges of an ever-changing economy, where knowledge management transcends the status of a strategic option to become a vital imperative for the competitiveness and prosperity of organizations. Key words: Knowledge management, Knowledge economy, Knowledge society, Organizational competitiveness, Disruptive and emerging technologies. JEL Classification: M19 Paper type: Empirical Research