Administrative knowledge management: evaluation and process optimisation

The German Research Institute for Public Administration is conducting a project in cooperation with the Senate Department for the Interior and Sport to evaluate knowledge management in the Berlin Senate Department for the Interior and Sport. 

The project begins with a systematic evaluation of existing knowledge management tools. Within this framework, the practice of knowledge transfer in Berlin's administration is surveyed and analysed in terms of methodology, content and perceived success. Based on the results of this evaluation, targeted optimisations or enhancements can then be derived.

The study is based empirically on three data sources: On the one hand, existing information, such as documentation of previous knowledge management activities, will be evaluated according to availability. On the other hand, qualitative interviews and non-participatory observations will be conducted during knowledge transfer discussions in order to gain more precise insights into the specific process and its effectiveness. The plan is to speak primarily with people who had contact with knowledge management in 2025, especially in the context of retirement transitions or spontaneous departures. The study will focus in particular on the perspectives of knowledge-absorbing employees.