Study of the role of knowledge management in technological learning by considering the mediating variable of R&D activities in the oil industry

Current need for oil products and their applications in various fields, plus Iran’s potential has attracted significant investment in this field as the strategy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to become self-sufficient and localize oil and gas industry.This study aimed to investigate the role of knowledge management in technological learning through the mediating variable of research and development activities in an oil and gas organization.To this end, a research model was presented based on theoretical studies, which yielded three hypotheses. A valid and reliable questionnaire was used to collect data to test the research hypotheses. The statistical population of the study included managers and experts of the company under study (n > 100). Due to the abnormality of data distribution, Smart PLS software was used to test the hypotheses. According to the software outputs, knowledge management affects research and development activities, research and development activities affect technological learning, and knowledge management affects technological learning. Therefore, better implementation of technological learning requires special attention to the creation, sharing and application of knowledge and experience that exists in the organization.