Unlocking interorganizational knowledge sharing: the mediating role of knowledge digitization in the age of digital innovation

Purpose The iterative evolution of digital technology has dramatically changed the practice of knowledge sharing. Digital innovation, based on digital technology, accelerates the digitization of knowledge, thus affecting knowledge sharing among organizations. This paper aims to examine how digital innovation can facilitate interorganizational knowledge sharing and the important role of knowledge digitization. Design/methodology/approach The sample consists of 304 members from digital groups in China who participate in interorganizational collaboration and collaborative innovation activities. This paper uses PLS-SEM to examine the relationship between digital innovation (distributed and combined digital innovation), knowledge digitization (codability, convergence and generativity) and interorganizational knowledge sharing. Findings The results show that distributed and combined digital innovation have a significant positive impact on interorganizational knowledge sharing, and codability, convergence and generativity play a mediating role in them. Practical implications The conclusions emphasize the importance of digital innovation and knowledge digitization and provide directions for realizing interorganizational knowledge sharing in the digital age, improving the innovation ability of organizations, expanding knowledge heterogeneity and organizational competitiveness. Originality/value Based on the existing research, this paper further clarifies the classification of digital innovation. This study focuses on the relationship between digital innovation and interorganizational knowledge sharing and further discusses the implementation mechanism of interorganizational knowledge sharing in the digital context. This study also perfects the related research of knowledge digitization and provides a theoretical basis for the further research.