Open innovation based knowledge management implementation: a mediating role of knowledge management design

Purpose Knowledge-based organizations is a new paradigm for business. Knowledge management (KM) is important for supporting core business processes. This paper aims to define an open innovation (OI)-driven KM implementation for effectively executing the support. Design/methodology/approach KM is important for supporting organizational innovation. OI plays a critical determinant role in defining the design of KM for effectively supporting OI. Further, the final goal of KM is to reach the success of OI-based KM implementation. A model is thus proposed for connecting OI as a driver to a design of KM and, in turn, KM implementation. Survey is conducted to collect data. Partial least squares is used for analysis. Findings The three processes of OI partially present significant impact on the design of KM process and, in turn, a noticeable achievement of KM implementation. The two KM processes indicate an interaction effect for reinforcement mutually. The findings provide rich evidence into the argument that OI-based KM implementation through the mediator of the design of KM process is important for a successful KM in organizations. Practical/implications While OI is a phenomenon that has increasingly become critical for the contemporary business, the design of KM mechanism needs to be adapted from the choice of OI process for guaranteeing the success of KM implementation. Originality/value Extant theories did not provide such an approach to develop an effective KM implementation in terms of the important management concept, OI, in organizations. This model empirically demonstrates its capability to work on this issue.