The evolution of knowledge management and transfer processes from domestic to international multi-sport events

Research question: We examined the knowledge management and transfer (KM/KT) process within two domestic and two international sports events, and determined whether the similarities and differences between these four KM/KT processes could lend themselves to a single, overall sport event KM/KT process.Research methods: Four case studies were built by means of an analysis of 58 interviews and 598 document pages: 2012 Ontario Summer Games (OSG), 2013 Canada Games (CG), 2014 Commonwealth Games, and 2015 Pan American Games.Results and findings: Findings highlight the importance of internal and external knowledge tailoring, as well as individuals’ tacit knowledge. KM/KT processes evolved in sophistication from the OSG (rather linear), through the CG, which includes a feedback loop due to the test event aspect, then to a continual feedback loop for the international events. A generic KM/KT process was therefore developed for domestic events through to the Olympic Games.Implications: The organizing committee's lifespan may influence the effectiveness of the KM/KT process and its benefits. Rights holders should manage the process themselves and include stakeholders in the process. From a theoretical standpoint, the similar KM/KT process undertaken by event stakeholders for small through Olympic-level events, regardless of the existence of a formal event KM/KT process, demonstrates the transferability potential of KM/KT findings between event levels.