Knowledge management in universities and research centers

Abstract

The knowledge society poses various challenges for university and scientific institutions in knowledge management, both in their academic and social performance. This systematic literature review aims to understand the knowledge management models referenced in the university and research fields in Latin America and Venezuela. To this end, the PRISMA method (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) was applied to examine a set of scientific publications obtained from Google Scholar, Redalyc, and Latindex. Forty-two scientific sources were selected and analyzed, considering specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results reveal a diversity of proposals based on holistic and intellectual capital approaches. Knowledge management models are identified that address the complementarity of university functions in terms of the generation, storage, dissemination, and application of knowledge. The discussion highlights that the effective implementation of KM requires not only the development of a coherent model, but also a holistic transformation that includes the organizational, cultural, and political dynamics and particularities that govern
the development of HEIs and ICs in Latin America, and particularly in Venezuela. Likewise, the importance of adopting a critical perspective that considers the diverse influences of power relations on knowledge management models is justified.