Knowledge Management as a Driver of Competitive Advantage in SMEs: A Multisectoral Study

Abstract

This study aims to analyze whether small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) recognize knowledge management (KM) as a factor that generates competitive advantage. To this end, a qualitative approach was adopted, through a multisectoral multi-case study based on semi-structured interviews with managers from four SMEs in the manufacturing, software development, construction sector and specialised technical services in the field of electricity sector. The results show that KM is widely recognised by managers as a strategic element essential to creating differentiation and strengthening organizational competitiveness. It was also found that factors such as professional experience, the level of qualification of managers and the competitive intensity of the sector of activity seem to positively influence the valuation of KM as a strategic resource. The conclusions obtained are in line with the existing literature, reinforcing the importance of systematic investment in human resource training and the consolidation of organizational knowledge as a condition for competitive sustainability. However, the study has limitations due to the small sample size, which limits the generalization of the results. We therefore recommend future research with larger samples and complementary methodologies to further explore and empirically validate the evidence identified.