Purpose: The study aims to assess the innovation activity of SMEs operating in the
Hungarian logistics sector, with particular regard to the knowledge-based operations
of the companies, and to highlight the fundamental differences between the external
and internal knowledge transfer of companies, which depend on management attitude
and employee activity. Research design, data and methodology: The empirical research
was conducted using a questionnaire survey among 628 Hungarian logistics enterprises.
The questionnaire was distributed electronically among Hungarian logistics enterprises
in 2024. Data collection was carried out anonymously. Results: The logistics and distribution
companies examined in the survey show significant differences in the methods of external
and internal knowledge transfer. However, it is a finding valid for all companies
that both leadership attitude and employee activity play an essential role in the
development of innovation policies that determine corporate knowledge management.
Conclusions: Logistics companies that apply knowledge-sharing methods can respond
faster to market changes and gain a competitive advantage. External knowledge transfer
(collaboration with universities, research institutes, and industrial partners) enhances
innovation. Internal knowledge management (employee rotation, knowledge-sharing culture)
fosters organizational learning and creative solutions. Thus, strategic knowledge
management is key to operational efficiency in logistics.
