The transformation of knowledge management with artificial intelligence: A synthesis of requirements, challenges and AI technologies in knowledge management

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Master's degree student in educational management , Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran, Hadise.soofi@stu.malayeru.ac.ir

2 Associate professor, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran, Khakpour@malayeru.ac.ir

3 Assistant professor, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran, s.gharloghi@malayeru.ac.ir

10.47176/SMOK.2026.1987

Abstract

Purpose: The integration of Artificial Intelligence and Knowledge Management  has become a strategic necessity in the digital economy. However, previous studies have lacked a comprehensive framework for explaining the systematic transformation of  KM through AI. This study aimed to develop an integrated model of the factors influencing this transformation and their interrelationships.
Methodology: This qualitative study employed a meta-synthesis approach based on the seven-step model proposed by Sandelowski and Barroso. The research population comprised scientific publications on AI and KM published between 2010 and 2025. The data were analyzed through coding, categorization, and thematic synthesis.
Results: A total of 371 initial codes were organized into 24 core codes and four main dimensions, namely requirements, barriers, benefits, and applications. The findings indicated that the success of AI-based KM depends on the interaction of technological, human, organizational, and cultural factors, while infrastructural and human requirements play a significant role in overcoming implementation barriers.
Discussion: The findings suggest that effective KM transformation requires alignment among technological capabilities, human competencies, and organizational culture. They also provide a dynamic framework for explaining the relationships among organizational requirements, challenges, and AI-driven benefits.
Conclusion: AI has transformed KM into an intelligent and dynamic cognitive system. The sustainable implementation of this transformation requires adequate infrastructure, skilled human resources, a supportive organizational culture, and ethical governance, thereby strengthening knowledge-based competitive advantage in the digital economy.

Graphical Abstract

The transformation of knowledge management with artificial intelligence: A synthesis of requirements, challenges and AI technologies in knowledge management

Highlights

  1. An integrated framework for AI-driven knowledge management was developed.
  2. AI requirements, barriers, applications, and benefits were synthesized.
  3. AI-enabled knowledge management depends on technology, people, and culture.
  4. 371 initial codes were synthesized into four core knowledge dimensions.
  5. The proposed model guides effective AI-enabled knowledge management.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Copyright ©, Hadise Soofi; Abbas Khakpour; Sajad Gharloghi

License

Published by Imam Hossein University. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode  

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History

  • Receive Date: 23 December 2025
  • Revise Date: 17 May 2026
  • Accept Date: 21 May 2026

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