The digital, knowledge and innovation nexus: mapping synergies and charting a research agenda

Purpose The convergence of digitalization, knowledge management (KM) and innovation has emerged as a critical research topic, yet from the theoretical and practical viewpoints, the interrelations among these domains remain fragmentedly studied. To address this research gap, this paper aimed at systematizing the knowledge base on the pattern of these interrelations. Design/methodology/approach Using bibliometric analysis technique, this study examined 277 scientific publications spanning from 2005 to 2023, and mapped the conceptual evolution of the intersection digitalization–KM–innovation, categorizing thematic clusters across key evolutionary stages: (1) from digitization to innovation through KM, (2) from KM to digital transformation (DT) through innovation and (3) KM as a primary driver of research. Findings The research findings highlight critical themes such as the pivotal role of KM mechanisms, the dual-edged nature of digital technologies in enhancing and complicating organizational practices and the cyclical and reinforcing relationship among the digitalization, KM, innovation and DT that propels innovation performance. Drawing from these findings, this study elaborated an extensive agenda for future research, including the exploration of green KM practices, the scalability of knowledge-based systems in low digital maturity industries and the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence in data-driven innovation. Originality/value The analysis was conducted distinguishing between digitalization and DT as distinct but interconnected processes that exert varying impacts on KM and innovation, what makes it original in relation to the existing literature. This approach not only advances the theoretical understanding of the studied synergies but also offers actionable insights for practitioners seeking to navigate the complexities of DT.