Abstract

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.