Knowledge Management Framework for Knowledge Ecosystems: A Science‐Based Design Approach in High‐Reliability Organizations

ABSTRACT This study examines knowledge management (KM) within ecosystems, focusing on inter‐organizational collaboration in contexts requiring high reliability. Anchored in a Science‐Based Design approach, it bridges theoretical insights and practical applications. The research investigates a knowledge ecosystem of High‐Reliability Organizations (HROs) in the energy sector, where safety imperatives shape knowledge processes. Using a qualitative, longitudinal case study, the study identifies key challenges related to knowledge sharing, retention, and governance in a highly regulated, risk‐intensive environment. It proposes seven Design Principles, organized around three Proposals: (P1) Preserving and Sharing Knowledge, (P2) Disseminating KM Practices, and (P3) Orchestrating the Knowledge Ecosystem to address these barriers, emphasizing the importance of an integrated KM framework combining tools, roles, and governance processes. The findings reveal that successful KM in such ecosystems requires fostering collaboration, enabling learning, and ensuring alignment with long‐term safety objectives. This research advances theoretical understanding of KM in complex ecosystems while offering practical solutions to enhance inter‐organizational knowledge processes and support ecosystem sustainability.