Purpose – This paper explores what knowledge governance mechanisms can be particularly relevant for innovation in the Brazilian context. Design/methodology/approach – A sample of 111 firms from Southern Brazil was surveyed. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling (SEM). Originality/value – Our paper contributes to the knowledge governance and innovation literature by demonstrating that in the Brazilian context, infrastructural knowledge governance mechanisms are more important than people-focused ones. Practical implications – This study brings valuable information to managers of Brazilian firms to allow more efficient allocation of their resources and efforts for managing knowledge, and ultimately, innovation.