A systematic literature review on knowledge management for project risk management in construction

The need for urbanisation, smart cities and high-rise buildings globally has increased the volume of projects carried out in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. These buildings are designed under tight schedules, tight contracts, huge budgets, and highly performance-driven construction managers. Thus, this article presents a systematic literature review (SLR) on knowledge management for project risk management in construction. Using the SLR, two academic databases were utilised, namely Dimensions and Scopus for publications from 2000 to 2025. The knowledge acquired from the research was examined by classifying the areas on Project Risk Management (PRM), construction processes and knowledge management associated with construction. The keyword search utilised for this study was conducted in Google Scholar database. The search on this SLR considered three main areas namely project management (PM), knowledge management (KM) and risk management (RM). However, related search was conducted on other aspects like quantitative risk management (QRA). The findings include the development of knowledge maps on publication trends. Findings on the publication trends reflect steady growth in publications, with peaks and dips due to global events (like, COVID-19 pandemic in 2020/2021). Regarding the subject areas, Engineering is the dominant subject area (39 %), followed by Business and Computer Science, then others. Also, the leading countries include USA, China, UK, Australia, Malaysia, then others. The implications of the study reflect knowledge-based learning on construction management. The study found various innovative technologies that are adapted in construction through knowledge management. This SLR shows emerging trends, applications and research collaborations in the construction industry. • The systematic literature review explores knowledge management (KM) on project risks in construction. • Dimensions and Scopus databases were accessed for KM regarding project risk management (PRM) processes. • The implications of knowledge management in construction projects with trends, applications and research collaborations. • Findings include the leading authors, countries, subjects, research funders and keyword trends. • The study presents framework on classifying knowledge management from opportunities found on the study.