Leveraging Knowledge Management for Sustainable Innovation: Advancing Public Health Leadership Interventions
Bezakulu Atnafu Alemu
Abstract
Knowledge management (KM) is vital for fostering sustainable innovation, enhancing organizational competitiveness, and aligning with environmental health and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in healthcare. A meta-analysis and systematic review of recent peer-reviewed studies reveal that KM practices drive incremental and radical innovation, with digital transformation catalyzing green innovation and effective knowledge sharing. Leadership plays a pivotal role in creating collaborative environments and fostering learning cultures. Moreover, the analysis highlights the importance of psychological safety in addressing knowledge sharing and hiding paradoxes. In public health systems, effective knowledge management processes significantly improve organizational resilience and responsiveness to emerging health challenges while facilitating the integration of health informatics into primary healthcare for better decision-making and more equitable outcomes. Integrating KM with sustainability goals, particularly in healthcare, aligns with SDG targets such as promoting health (SDG 3), supporting sustainable industrial innovation (SDG 9), and combating climate change (SDG 13). For example, green innovation in healthcare can reduce environmental impacts by optimizing resource use and improving operational efficiency. Leadership’s ability to foster trust and collaboration is central to achieving these goals, as it cultivates a culture of open knowledge exchange critical for innovation and organizational resilience. This research offers actionable strategies for healthcare organizations, including developing KM frameworks aligned with digital transformation efforts and sustainability objectives. By prioritizing leadership development and fostering cultures of collaboration, organizations can leverage KM to advance environmental health initiatives, address global health challenges, and meet SDG targets. Future research could explore AI’s potential to enhance KM practices and cross-cultural dynamics in healthcare knowledge sharing, further contributing to sustainable innovation and equitable health outcomes.