Knowledge sharing, knowledge transfer and SMEs: evolution, antecedents, outcomes and directions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to systematically synthesize the extant literature knowledge sharing (KS) and transfer (KT) in small medium enterprise (SME) context contribute with predictions emerging themes. Design/methodology/approach Applied a systematic review using three bibliometric techniques: (1) textual analysis for keywords abstracts identify research hotspots, (2) co-citation references evolution KS KT SME (3) bibliographic coupling documents antecedents outcomes. Findings A conceptual map emerges from reveal at individual, group organizational levels. shows strategic importance context. Specific findings include: are involved enhancing SMEs focus human resources, including learning, customer relations, creativity, higher profit positive effects on operational processes decision-making. Innovation, trust performance identified as central factors linked SMEs. Human resource (HR) management could domain by exploring KS- KT-based practices, linking emergence innovation innovative behaviors these leading better understanding strategies that enable long-term storage retrieval tacit explicit memory Originality/value This one first propose concept map. adds value growing exposes need more specific activities support managers, well HR who facilitate