Examining the Role of Knowledge Management in New Product Development in Nigerian Manufacturing Firms

This research examines the relationship between knowledge management practices and new product development performance in manufacturing firms operating in Nigeria, contributing empirical evidence from a sub-Saharan African context where such research is notably underrepresented. Effective new product development is increasingly recognised as essential for the competitiveness and long-term survival of Nigerian manufacturers facing both import competition and the imperative to supply domestic consumers with relevant, high-quality products. This study employs a quantitative survey design, administering validated instruments measuring knowledge creation, knowledge storage and retrieval, knowledge sharing, and knowledge application practices alongside new product development performance metrics to one hundred and sixty-eight manufacturing firms across the South West, South East, and North Central zones. Structural equation modelling is used to test the hypothesised relationships, with product innovation capability specified as a mediating variable between knowledge management practices and new product development performance outcomes. Results confirm that knowledge sharing and knowledge application dimensions are the strongest direct predictors of innovation capability, while knowledge creation practices show a significant but weaker effect. Product innovation capability fully mediates the relationship between knowledge sharing and new product development speed. Keywords: knowledge management, new product development, innovation capability, structural equation modelling, Nigerian manufacturing