مدیریت نوآوری در سازمان های دفاعی

مدیریت نوآوری در سازمان های دفاعی

Explaining the Role of Knowledge Management and Digital Innovation in Enhancing Smart Supply Chain Performance in Defense Organizations: Analyzing the Mediating Role of Organizational Learning

نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی

نویسندگان
1 Department of Business Management, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
2 PhD Student in Public Administration, Graduate Studies Center, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/qjimdo.2024.851020.5411
چکیده
Background & Purpose: In the era of expanding intelligent logistics processes, defense organizations are required to simultaneously leverage the capabilities of knowledge management and digital innovation. However, the mechanisms through which these capabilities influence smart supply chain performance, particularly through organizational mechanisms such as organizational learning, require further empirical investigation. Therefore, the present study aims to explain the role of knowledge management and digital innovation in enhancing the smart supply chain performance of defense organizations, with a particular emphasis on the mediating role of organizational learning.
Methodology: This study is applied in terms of purpose and adopts a descriptive-correlational design based on structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of managers and experts from the country's defense organizations, from which 330 participants were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected through a standardized questionnaire. The validity of the research instrument was confirmed through content validity, while its reliability was established using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Data were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach with SmartPLS software.
Findings: Knowledge management has a positive and significant effect on both organizational learning and smart supply chain performance. Likewise, digital innovation exerts a positive and significant influence on organizational learning and smart supply chain performance. Furthermore, organizational learning directly and significantly enhances smart supply chain performance. The findings also confirmed the mediating role of organizational learning in the relationship between knowledge management and smart supply chain performance, as well as in the relationship between digital innovation and smart supply chain performance.
Conclusion: Investing in digital infrastructure, facilitating knowledge creation and sharing processes, empowering employees, and institutionalizing continuous learning provide the foundation for enhancing the agility, coordination, adaptability, and operational effectiveness of the defense supply chain.
کلیدواژه‌ها

Akbari, P., Nazari, K. and Elyasi Sarzali, E. (2024). Evaluation of supply chain knowledge management in line with strategic supply chain performance with emphasis on the role of entrepreneurial bricolage and operational ambidexterity. Journal of Innovation Management in Defense Organizations, 7(2), 1–22. [In Persian].
Al Zoubi, J. Z., Obeidat, Z., Almajali, D. A., Masa’deh, R. E., Hmoud, H. Y., & Al-Zoubi, M. O. (2026). Impact of knowledge-oriented leadership and organizational learning on innovation performance: a mediating role of knowledge management. VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, 56(1), 227-260.
Alaassar, A., Mention, A. L., & Kryzhanivska, K. (2026). Digital innovation: a bibliometric review and research agenda. Review of Managerial Science, 20(1), 331-377.
Alavi, M., Leidner, D., & Mousavi, R. (2024). Knowledge management perspective of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). Alavi, Maryam, 1-12.
Anand, A., & Brix, J. (2022). The learning organization and organizational learning in the public sector: a review and research agenda. The Learning Organization, 29(2), 129-156.
Andervajh, L. Vizheh, E. and Zarbazoo, M. (2020). Investigating the effect of transformational leadership on the coordination of supply chain with the mediating role of organizational learning. Journal of Logistics Thought Scientific Publication, 19(72), 95–119. [In Persian].
Andervazh, L. and Sadrjahani, S. (2024). Analyzing the role of knowledge management processes in using competitive strategies to achieve innovation in knowledge-based companies. Journal of Human Resources Excellence, 5(3), 78–96. [In Persian].
Anshari, M., & Hamdan, M. (2022). Understanding knowledge management and upskilling in Fourth Industrial Revolution: transformational shift and SECI model. VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, 52(3), 373-393.
Antai, I., & Hellberg, R. (2025). Surge complexities in defense industry supply chains: evidence from multiple case studies. The International Journal of Logistics Management, 36(7), 242-261.
Araei, M. and Mohammadi Mehr, M. (2020). The mediating role of organizational learning in the relationship between knowledge management and organizational innovation (Case study: Faculty members of a military university). Journal of Military Medicine, 22(4), 373–383. [In Persian].
Argote, L. (2013). Organizational learning: Creating, retaining and transferring knowledge. Springer.
Armstrong, A., & Foley, P. (2003). Foundations for a learning organization: organization learning mechanisms. The learning organization, 10(2), 74-82.
Awad, J. A., & Martín-Rojas, R. (2024). Digital transformation influence on organisational resilience through organisational learning and innovation. Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 13(1), 69.
Azimi, H. and Jafari, H.R. (2023). The effect of knowledge management developments and organizational adaptation on the three dimensions of internal process performance, customer performance, and learning and growth. Journal of Sciences and Techniques of Information Management, 9(2), 339–370. [In Persian].
Babak, M., Ahmadpour Daryani, M., Mohammadkazemi, R. and Abdoli, T. (2024). The impact of entrepreneurial orientation and supply chain resilience on the development of international businesses: The mediating role of absorptive capacity and moderation of organizational innovation in Digikala Company. Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Research, 3(2), 1–21. [In Persian].
Bagherimanesh, M., Kavyani, H., Heshmati Rad, M. and Habibi, H.A. (2019). The mediating role of organizational innovation in explaining organizational learning on supply chain tolerance (Case study: A defensive organization). Journal of Logistics Thought Scientific Publication, 18(69), 1–25. [In Persian].
Basten, D., & Haamann, T. (2018). Approaches for organizational learning: A literature review. Sage Open, 8(3), 2158244018794224.
Benseddik, H. (2025, May). The Contribution of Smart Supply Chain Practices to Strengthening Inter-Organizational Commitment and Improving Inter-Organizational Knowledge: The Case of Large Companies in Morocco. In 2025 16th International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LOGISTIQUA) (pp. 1-9). IEEE.
Bogers, M. L., Garud, R., Thomas, L. D., Tuertscher, P., & Yoo, Y. (2022). Digital innovation: transforming research and practice. Innovation, 24(1), 4-12.
Cepeda-Carrion, G., Cegarra-Navarro, J. G., & Cillo, V. (2019). Tips to use partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) in knowledge management. Journal of Knowledge Management, 23(1), 67-89.
Chegeni, M., Haseli, D. and Riahinia, N. (2025). Identifying and prioritizing barriers to knowledge management implementation in the Air Defense Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army: A mixed-methods study. Journal of Academic Librarianship and Information Research, 58(4), 3. [In Persian].
Chen, M., Tan, X., Zhu, J., & Dong, R. K. (2025). Can supply chain digital innovation policy improve the sustainable development performance of manufacturing companies?. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 12(1), 1-15.
Cristache, N., Croitoru, G., & Florea, N. V. (2025). The influence of knowledge management on innovation and organizational performance. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 10(5), 100793.
DiBella, A. J., Nevis, E. C., & Gould, J. M. (1996). Understanding organizational learning capability. Journal of management studies, 33(3), 361-379.
Dzhuguryan, T., Kijewska, K., Iwan, S., & Dzhuguryan, K. (2025). Supply Chain Ecosystem for Smart Sustainable City Multifloor Manufacturing Cluster: Knowledge Management Based on Open Innovation and Energy Conservation Policies. Sustainability, 17(19), 8882.
Eryarsoy, E., Özer Torgalöz, A., Acar, M. F., & Zaim, S. (2022). A resource-based perspective of the interplay between organizational learning and supply chain resilience. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 52(8), 614-637.
Erzurum, E., Eryarsoy, E., Naqvi, F., Zaim, S., & Zaim, H. (2025). Linking Digital Knowledge Management Practices to Organizational Performance: A Serial Mediation Perspective. Systems, 13(12), 1073.
Farooq, R. (2024). A review of knowledge management research in the past three decades: a bibliometric analysis. Vine journal of information and knowledge management systems, 54(2), 339-378.
Felicetti, A. M., Corvello, V., & Ammirato, S. (2024). Digital innovation in entrepreneurial firms: a systematic literature review. Review of Managerial Science, 18(2), 315-362.
Figueiredo, P., Rodrigues, R., & Diogo, A. (2025). From safety to sharing: A bibliometric mapping of psychological safety, knowledge management, and organizational learning. Administrative Sciences, 15(11), 427.
Galanti, T., & Fantinelli, S. (2025). Managing the future of talents: digital innovation in learning organizations. The Learning Organization, 32(4), 554-580.
Ghaffarian Sokhanvar, Z., Hosseingholizadeh, R. and Noghani Dokht Bahmani, M. (2025). Description of organizational learning network and identification of factors influencing its formation using network analysis method (Case study: Khorasan Regional Electric Company). Journal of Strategic Management of Organizational Knowledge, 8(28), 11–32. [In Persian].
Ghasemi Hamedani, I., Bashokouh Ajirlo, M., Rahimi Kolour, H. and Seifollahi Anar, N. (2024). Explaining the evolution process of supply chain management in the path of intelligence: A study based on bibliometric approach. Journal of Defensive Future Studies, 8(31), 119–155. [In Persian].
Ghorbani, M., Nishabuori, V.R., Erfaniyan Khanzadeh, H. and Yaghoubi, M. (2017). The mediating role of organizational learning capability on the relationship between knowledge sharing and organizational innovation capability. Management Researches, 9(34), 125. [In Persian].
Hair, J., & Alamer, A. (2022). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in second language and education research: Guidelines using an applied example. Research Methods in Applied Linguistics, 1(3), 100027.
Hashem, G., & Aboelmaged, M. (2025). The dynamic interplay of knowledge management, innovation and learning capabilities in digital supply chain adoption: a mediation-moderation model. Benchmarking: An International Journal, 32(8), 2911-2941.
Heisig, P. (2024). Knowledge management. In Handbook On Information Sciences (pp. 229-255). Edward Elgar Publishing.
Hellberg, R., Sprängare, D., Candell, O., Carpenfelt, C., Lundberg, K., Samuelsson, P., ... & Backlund, L. (2025). Performance constraints in defence industry supply chains: evidence from case studies. Defence and Peace Economics, 1-36.
Hemmati Noedoust Gilani, M. and Khosh Tinat, H. (2024). Analyzing the mediating role of supply chain performance in the relationship between green human resource management, supply chain organizational learning and business performance. Commercial Surveys, 22(124), 112–133. [In Persian].
Heriansyah, T., Zulfadil, Z., & Maulida, Y. (2025). The Influence of Digital Leadership, Digital Innovation and Organizational Learning on Digital Maturity to Improve Organizational Performance: Empirical Study from PT. Perkebunan Nusantara IV Regional III, Indonesia. Golden Ratio of Human Resource Management, 5(1), 159-168.
Ivanov, D., & Dolgui, A. (2021). A digital supply chain twin for managing disruption risks and resilience. Production Planning & Control, 32(9), 775–788. https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2020.1768450
Jarrahi, M. H., Askay, D., Eshraghi, A., & Smith, P. (2023). Artificial intelligence and knowledge management: A partnership between human and AI. Business Horizons, 66(1), 87-99.
Khin, S., & Ho, T. C. (2019). Digital technology, digital capability and organizational performance: A mediating role of digital innovation. International journal of innovation science, 11(2), 177-195.
Khodaparast, S., Nami, K. and Zakeri, M. (2025). Designing a development model for inclusive and comprehensive employee learning (Case study: Pazargad Non-Industrial Operations Company). Journal of Study and Innovation in Education and Development, 5(2), 4. [In Persian].
Korkmaz, G. (2024). Supply Chain Risks and Management Strategies in the Defense Industry. Journal of Defense Resources Management (JoDRM), 15(1), 35-60.
Kroh, J., Globocnik, D., Schultz, C., Holdhof, F., & Salomo, S. (2024). Micro-foundations of digital innovation capability–A mixed method approach to develop and validate a multi-dimensional measurement instrument. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 198, 122942.
Levitt, B., & March, J. G. (1988). Organizational learning. Annual review of sociology, 14(1), 319-338.
Liu, W., Liang, Y., Lim, M. K., Long, S., & Shi, X. (2022). A theoretical framework of smart supply chain innovation for going global companies: a multi-case study from China. The international journal of logistics management, 33(3), 1090-1113.
Liu, W., Yuan, C., Zhang, J., Li, Z., & Cheng, Y. (2025). Capabilities influencing retailers' smart logistics performance: a theoretical framework from a smart supply chain perspective. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 1-25.
Manghoutaei, G. and Sharifi Rad, R. (2015). Case study of developing knowledge management strategies focusing on the challenge of alignment with organizational strategies: Kerman Gas Company. 8th International Conference on Knowledge and Technology of the Third Millennium of Iranian Economics, Management and Accounting, Tehran. [In Persian].
Mohammadi, A. and Barforoshan, H. (2014). A review of the relationship between supply chain management components and knowledge management. Third International Congress of Management, Economics, Humanities and Business Development. [In Persian].
Moslemi, M., Akbarzadeh, S. and Sharifian, A. (2024). Designing a model of organizational transformation strategies with an emphasis on a culture of learning and innovation. Journal of Intelligent Strategic Management, 3(3), 127–144. [In Persian].
Motamedimoghadam, M., Mira da Silva, M., & Amaral, M. (2025). Organizational capabilities for digital innovation: a systematic literature review. European Journal of Innovation Management, 28(7), 3024-3048.
Mousavi Shamsabad, S.J., Bahramzadeh, H. and Samanian, M. (2021). Investigating the effect of applying knowledge management on supply chain management using a balanced scorecard (Case study: Wheat supply chain in Iran State Trading Company). Iranian Journal of Supply Chain Management, 22(69), 4–19. [In Persian].
Nasirzade, S., Zamani, A. and Bagherian Far, M. (2025). Analyzing the influencing mechanism of empowering leadership on organizational learning ability with the mediation of knowledge management and cognitive empowerment of university employees. Journal of Studies in Library and Information Science, 17(1), 83–108. [In Persian].
Nasution, R. S. A., Marbun, T. S., & Muda, I. (2025). Supply chain management in the digital era: Innovations, challenges, and future directions. Indonesia Accounting Research Journal, 13(2), 168-175.
Nonaka, I., & Takeuchi, H. (1995). The knowledge-creating company: How Japanese companies create the dynamics of innovation. Oxford University Press.
Odor, H. O. (2018). A literature review on organizational learning and learning organizations. International Journal of Economics & Management Sciences, 7(1), 1-6.
Qu, S., Li, X., Lim, M. K., Liu, W., Li, Z., & Wang, Y. (2025). Smart supply chain management: a systematic literature review and future research agenda. International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, 1-29.
Rafi, N., Kalyar, M. N., Akhtar, S., & Khan, M. H. (2025). Role of Knowledge Management Capabilities in Smart Supply Chains. In Smart Supply Chain Management: Design, Methods and Impacts (pp. 119-134). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
Rashedi, A., Pourebrahimi, A. and Seyidi Hosseininia, S.S. (2025). Presenting an innovation ecosystem model in the project portfolio based on knowledge-based startups and flexibility, resilience and supply chain alignment in the acceptance of innovation and its impact on the success of the automotive business. Financial Engineering and Portfolio Management, 16(64), 115–139. [In Persian].
Rasool, F., Greco, M., & Grimaldi, M. (2022). Digital supply chain performance metrics: a literature review. Measuring Business Excellence, 26(1), 23-38.
Razmi, Z. and Ahmadi, S. (2023). The impact of knowledge management through organizational learning on digital innovation in Refah Bank. Journal of Sciences and Techniques of Information Management, 9(4), 91–118. [In Persian].
Rehman Khan, S. A., Ahmad, Z., Sheikh, A. A., & Yu, Z. (2022). Digital transformation, smart technologies, and eco-innovation are paving the way toward sustainable supply chain performance. Science Progress, 105(4), 00368504221145648.
Safari, O. and Houshmandi Rad, S. (2022). Investigating the relationship between knowledge management and psychological empowerment of employees through the mediation of organizational learning. Innovation Management, 2(1), 29–40. [In Persian].
Salimi, G. and Abdesharifi, F. (2015). The mediatory role of organizational learning in the relationship between human resource management practices and organizational innovation. Iranian Society for Training and Development, 2(4), 75. [In Persian].
Sanan Ahmadi, S., Kayhanian, S. and Rezaei, H. (2014). Energy efficiency management solutions for defense supply chain based on Industry 4.0 achievements. Journal of Defense Equipment and Technology, 7(24), 11–50. [In Persian].
Saunders, E., Zhu, X., Wei, X., Mehta, R., Chew, J., & Wang, Z. (2025). The AI-Driven Smart Supply Chain: Pathways and Challenges to Enhancing Enterprise Operational Efficiency.
Sekban, A.O., Sharifi, S., Khadeer, W.A.Z. and Shahtalebi, B. (2025). Identifying the components of organizational learning culture in educational organizations (Case study: University of Basra). Journal of Human Capital Empowerment, 8(2), 163–178. [In Persian].
Shafiei Nikabadi, M., Moghaddam, A., Toorani, P. and Najar, A.A. (2025). The impact of knowledge management strategies on sustainable supply chain performance with an emphasis on eco-innovation (Case study: Personnel of small and medium enterprises in Semnan Province). Journal of Strategic Management of Organizational Knowledge, 7(27), 91–115. [In Persian].
Shah, N., Zehri, A. W., Saraih, U. N., Abdelwahed, N. A. A., & Soomro, B. A. (2024). The role of digital technology and digital innovation towards firm performance in a digital economy. Kybernetes, 53(2), 620-644.
Sharma, D., Virmani, N., Mangla, S. K., Kumar, P., & Mohanty, R. P. (2025). Leveraging green innovation, organizational learning, and institutional pressure to enhance supply chain flexibility: A petroleum refinery perspective using SAP-LAP and e-IRP. Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, 26(3), 543-569.
Sharma, M., Antony, R., Sharma, A., & Daim, T. (2025). Can smart supply chain bring agility and resilience for enhanced sustainable business performance?. The International Journal of Logistics Management, 36(2), 501-555.
Shayannia, S.A., Darvish Motevalli, M., Abri, A. and Mojarad, S. (2025). Investigating the effect of business intelligence on reverse supply chain resilience with the mediating role of market knowledge management. Journal of Logistics Thought Scientific Publication, 24(93), 205–227. [In Persian].
Sinaei, S.S., Amiri, M., Olfat, L. and Yousefli, A. (2025). Analysis of research domains and trends in the digital supply chain. Quarterly Journal of Bi Management Studies, 14(54), 217–262. [In Persian].
Teece, D. J. (2018). Business models and dynamic capabilities. Long Range Planning, 51(1), 40–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lrp.2017.06.007
Tinh, D. V. (2025). The Relationship Between Knowledge Mangagement, Organizational Learning, and Organizational Performance in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Danang City. Journal of Cultural Analysis and Social Change, 10(3), 3031-3044.
Wang, K., Peng, Y., & Zhou, T. (2025). The Impact of Supply Chain Innovation and Application Policies on Supply Chain Digitalization. Emerging Markets Finance and Trade, 1-24.
Wetzels, M., Odekerken-Schröder, G., & Van Oppen, C. (2009). Using PLS path modeling for assessing hierarchical construct models: Guidelines and empirical illustration. MIS quarterly, 177-195.
XiaoWen, L., & Atour, T. (2025). Knowledge-driven digital innovation in supply chains: An organizational perspective. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 10(5), 100787.
Yazdanpanah, Y., Toghraee, M. T., Salamzadeh, A., Scott, J. M., & Palalić, R. (2023). The influence of entrepreneurial culture and organizational learning on entrepreneurial orientation: the case of new technology-based firms in Iran. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 29(5), 1181-1203.
Yekdast, R. and Pashaei, A. (2024). Knowledge management and professional development of employees: Mediation analysis of organizational learning in Imam Ali Officer University (AS). Journal of Teaching in Marine Sciences, 11(1), 205–218. [In Persian].
Yeung, A. K. (1999). Organizational learning capability. Oxford University Press.
Yoo, Y., Henfridsson, O., Kallinikos, J., Gregory, R., Burtch, G., Chatterjee, S., & Sarker, S. (2024). The next frontiers of digital innovation research. Information Systems Research, 35(4), 1507-1523