Management Review ›› 2026, Vol. 38 ›› Issue (8): 31-44.

• Economic and Financial Management • Previous Articles    

From Digitalization to Embodiment: Research on the Development of Digital Technologies Promoting the Digitalization of Knowledge Transfer

Cui Xinjian1,2, Ren Jing1, Cui Zhixin3   

  1. 1. Business School, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 100081;
    2. Advisory Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, Beijing 100031;
    3. Institute of Industrial Economics of CASS, Beijing 100006
  • Received:2025-04-18 Published:2026-09-11

Abstract: The rapid advancement of digital technology has fundamentally reshaped the transfer, diffusion, and creation of human know-ledge. Grounded in the classic SECI model, this study examines the intellectualization of knowledge transfer through three dimensions—its trajectory, function, and model—to uncover the underlying mechanisms driven by digital technologies. The findings indicate that: First, the trajectory evolves progressively from digitalization to intelligentization and toward embodiment, transcending spatiotemporal constraints, particularly in tacit knowledge transfer. Embodied intelligence, as an advanced form of AI, leverages body-environment interactions to enable more efficient intelligent behaviors. Second, the functionality intensifies along this trajectory, overcoming limitations of the SECI model and reflecting a shift in cognitive modes from connectivity and sharing to intelligent empowerment and ultimately human-machine integration. Third, The model transforms the classical SECI framework, leveraging technologies such as cloud computing, quantum computing, and large models to converge four stages into a unified “human-machine shared sensing” phase, enabling instant knowledge transfer across heterogeneous spatiotemporal contexts. This study highlights the profound impact of digital technologies on knowledge transfer, offers theoretical insights for knowledge management and intellectualization, and provides practical guidance for knowledge-intensive organizations in fostering knowledge transfer and enhancing innovation capabilities during digital transformation.

Key words: knowledge transfer, digital intelligence, embodiment, digital technology