New development structures and competitiveness are based on using information as raw material and knowledge as a strategic resource, and it is necessary to rethink organizational strategies to add excellent value to the organi- zation through knowledge management. Through knowledge management, organizations encourage individuals to develop their work by contributing ideas and, simultaneously, avoid "knowledge leakage" when people leave the organization. The study examines the relationship between knowledge management and the level of competi- tiveness of manufacturing SMEs in the automotive parts industry in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara. From the results, it is found that knowledge management increases the competitiveness of SMEs in the automotive parts industry. The limitations and future studies are also discussed.

Keywords: SMEs in Mexico, Manufacturing SMEs, Knowledge management, Competitiveness

Suggested citation: Sánchez-Gutiérrez, J., & González-Uribe, E. G. (2023). Critical factors of knowledge management to boost the competitiveness of SMEs: The case of automotive parts industry in Guadalajara, Mexico. Skyline Business Journal, 19(1), 44-60.