Investigating the influence of knowledge management on organizational innovation in higher educational institutions

Purpose This study aims to investigate the relationship between knowledge management (KM) and organizational innovation (OI) in higher educational institutions. Design/methodology/approach The research method in the study was the descriptive – correlative type and was applied research based on the target. The study population consisted of managers and staff members of 63 Iranian higher educational institutions. In this research, descriptive and inferential statistics were used. To analyse research data, descriptive statistics, and for inferential statistics, the Pearson correlation coefficient test, the simple linear regression test and multiple regression tests were used. For data analysis, SPSS software was used. Findings The results of the study demonstrated that there was a significant relationship between KM and OI, and all alternative hypotheses were confirmed. In addition, KM predicted the aspects of organizational innovation in higher educational institutions. Originality/value This study supported the members of higher educational institutions to understand how to increase OIbetter and to improve the knowledge and experience of the employees through KM.