Abstract This study investigates the role of knowledge management (KM) and organizational learning (OL) practices in supporting the work of International Relations Offices (IROs) in European higher education institutions (HEIs). As HEIs navigate increasing internationalization, the strategic management of organizational knowledge becomes crucial for sustaining institutional performance and effective international engagement. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, with this article focusing on the quantitative phase. A survey was conducted among 87 IRO staff across 22 European countries to assess how KM and OL processes are embedded in their professional activities. The research explores the relations between core dimensions of KM and OL in IROs and their integration into the system of organizational knowledge and learning. The findings highlight low participation of early-career and lower-ranked staff in knowledge creation, and the limited role of team-level learning in KM dynamics. Notably, institutional leadership and an established learning culture were found to be key drivers of effective KM and OL integration. The study concludes that strategic leadership and targeted organizational initiatives fostering learning culture and collaborative knowledge-sharing practices are essential for enhancing HEIs' internationalization efforts.
Klimkina et al. (2025) studied this question.