An analysis of the generational succession procedures for retaining organizational knowledge in companies within the basque autonomous community (Spain)

The retention of organizational knowledge is increasingly challenging for companies giventhe aging workforce, high turnover rates, and declining birth rates. This study explores the knowledge transfer processes during generational transitions and examines how digital transformation facilitates business model innovation. Specifically, it examines theknowledge transfer procedures implemented in companies in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, a competitive industrial region in Europe. Using a quantitative approach, 168 individuals in key leadership positions were surveyed on the mechanisms used for knowledge retention and their effectiveness. The results reveal that while companies prioritize knowledge transfer, most lack effective protocols. Organizations employing both digital and analog strategies are perceived as more efficient in retaining knowledge. Only half of the companies integrate knowledge transfer processes into their management strategies, with no observed differences in employee knowledge-sharing behaviors based on company size. This study concludes that a lack of structured procedures may harm long-term competitiveness, recommending that companies invest more in developing formal generational handover protocols. This research underscores the vital importance of knowledge retention for organizational sustainability and highlights the need for further exploration to address this issue.