Interactive Knowledge Management Framework
Whether you're leading a team, scaling a business, or navigating change, KM helps you do it better, faster, and more sustainably. Knowledge management isn’t just a function—it’s your competitive advantage.
APQC’s Knowledge Management (KM) Framework outlines the stages of KM strategy implementation along with the actions necessary at each stage to move you to the next level. This interactive framework guides you towards the best approach to your KM strategy with detailed explanations of every step of the way. It also provides links to targeted content, best practices, and tools and templates found in APQC’s online Resource Library.
Using the Framework
Each of the actions under the four stages below is clickable. Click the action you would like more information about and a pop-up will appear.
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APQC's resources have jumpstarted our KM program without having to hire consultants or costly KM professionals.
Benefits of using APQC’s KM Interactive Framework
Every business challenge is a knowledge challenge in disguise.
APQC’s Interactive Knowledge Management (KM) Framework transforms KM from a vague concept into a practical, actionable system that anyone—regardless of role or industry—can use to improve how knowledge flows through their organization.

It Makes Knowledge Management Tangible
- The framework breaks knowledge management down into clear components—like strategy, people, processes, and technology—so users can see how it applies to their real-world challenges.
- It’s not just theory—it’s a map for how to actually do KM.

It’s Interactive and Customizable
- Users can click into each element to explore definitions, best practices, tools, and examples. It’s a self-guided learning and planning tool that adapts to your needs.
- Whether you’re building a KM program or just trying to fix a knowledge gap, it shows you where to start.

It’s Role-Agnostic
You don’t need to be a KM professional to use it. It’s designed for:
- Team leads trying to retain expertise
- HR professionals improving onboarding
- IT teams aligning tools with knowledge needs
- Ops managers reducing rework and silos

It’s Backed by 30+ Years of Research
- APQC’s framework is built on decades of benchmarking and best practices from top-performing organizations around the world.
- You’re not starting from scratch—you’re building on what works.

It Connects Strategy to Action
The framework helps you align KM efforts with business goals like:
- Reducing risk
- Improving productivity
- Supporting innovation
- Enabling AI and automation
- It helps you show the business value of KM—not just the activity.
How to use the KM Framework to solve real-world business problems:
Whether you're leading a team, scaling a business, or navigating change, knowledge is the fuel that drives performance, innovation, and resilience. Yet too often, that knowledge is fragmented, undocumented, or lost when people leave.
- “What happens when your MVP leaves tomorrow?” → High turnover
- “Scale your team without losing your edge.” → Rapid growth
- “AI is only as smart as the knowledge you feed it.” → AI readiness
- Common pain points KM addresses (e.g., turnover, onboarding delays, rework)
In every team, knowledge is the fuel that drives performance, innovation, and resilience. Yet too often, that knowledge is fragmented, undocumented, or lost when people leave. Knowledge management (KM) training equips your team with the skills to capture, share, and apply what they know.

Advance Your Skills with APQC Training
APQC’s Knowledge Management Certification (in-person) and Knowledge Transfer Certification (virtual) courses are intensive, 3-day intensive programs that equip professionals with globally recognized, IACET-accredited skills to advance their career. These certifications provide knowledge strategies that drive innovation and efficiency and ensure critical knowledge flows where it is needed most.
Also explore APQC’s flexible, self-paced online training courses—designed to fit your schedule and learning goals. Browse our full course catalog, including the curated Knowledge Management Basics Learning Path, to find the right program for you.
Learn About APQC Advisory Services
Contact UsAPQC provides the expertise you need to grow or overcome challenges unique to your organization. Our expert consultants work with you to accelerate your KM initiatives with customized one-on-one support. We have helped countless organizations redesign and improve their processes; implement knowledge management programs; measure business performance and progress towards goals; and more. We offer a wide range of services to address your specific needs.

Get Expert Guidance to Optimize Your KM Initiatives
Contact Our Advisory Services DirectorAPQC Advisory Services
You might be in the early stages of developing your organization’s first ever KM program. Or maybe you already have a KM strategy, but need help evolving your KM capabilities. At any stage of your KM strategy implementation, our expert consultants can provide individualized support and customized on-site training to help you accelerate and optimize your KM initiatives.
To learn more, contact our advisory services director:
