Embedding Knowledge Management in R&D Capability Transformation in Software Startups

Nabil Georges Badr

2025

Abstract

Organizational development drives growth, especially for startups. This study presents a longitudinal action research engagement exploring the strategic integration of Knowledge Management (KM) practices within Organizational Development (OD) initiatives to catalyse scalable transformation in a software startup. Grounded in dynamic capability theory and implemented through the continual improvement framework, the intervention addressed operational inefficiencies, role ambiguity, and delivery challenges across R&D functions. By layering KM methodologies, such as centralized repositories, stakeholder-driven assessments, and iterative feedback loops into OD processes, the engagement reconstructed team structures, codified decision-making routines, and fostered a culture of collaborative innovation. Through cross-functional restructuring, strategic role definition, and embedded governance practices, KM was operationalized as both an infrastructural asset and a dynamic capability enabler. The findings underscore KM’s pivotal role in enhancing adaptability, aligning leadership vision with execution, and sustaining high-performance trajectories under volatile growth conditions. This research contributes to startup literature by framing KM not merely as a support function, but as a strategic lever for organizational resilience, learning, and value creation.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Badr N. (2025). Embedding Knowledge Management in R&D Capability Transformation in Software Startups. In Proceedings of the 17th International Joint Conference on Knowledge Discovery, Knowledge Engineering and Knowledge Management - Volume 2: KMIS; ISBN 978-989-758-769-6, SciTePress, pages 323-331. DOI: 10.5220/0013656800004000

in Bibtex Style

@conference{kmis25,
author={Nabil Badr},
title={Embedding Knowledge Management in R&D Capability Transformation in Software Startups},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 17th International Joint Conference on Knowledge Discovery, Knowledge Engineering and Knowledge Management - Volume 2: KMIS},
year={2025},
pages={323-331},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013656800004000},
isbn={978-989-758-769-6},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 17th International Joint Conference on Knowledge Discovery, Knowledge Engineering and Knowledge Management - Volume 2: KMIS
TI - Embedding Knowledge Management in R&D Capability Transformation in Software Startups
SN - 978-989-758-769-6
AU - Badr N.
PY - 2025
SP - 323
EP - 331
DO - 10.5220/0013656800004000
PB - SciTePress