The impact of co-intelligence on digital innovation: A perspective based on knowledge digitization and human-AI collaborative knowledge innovation

Amidst the new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, collaboration between humans and artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally reshaping organizational practices, making digital innovation a crucial source of competitive advantage for enterprises. However, scholarly research on the impact of co-intelligence on digital innovation, as well as the mediating role of knowledge digitization and human-AI collaborative knowledge innovation, remains underdeveloped. To address this gap, this study surveyed 282 Chinese enterprises that implement AI scenario applications. Employing the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach, we investigated how co-intelligence enhances digital innovation, with a specific focus on the mediating effects of knowledge digitization and human–AI collaborative knowledge innovation. The analysis reveals three key findings: (1) Co-intelligence has a significant positive effect on digital innovation. (2) The relationship between co-intelligence and digital innovation is mediated by knowledge digitization and human–AI collaborative knowledge innovation. (3) These two mediators form a significant chain mediation pathway between co-intelligence and digital innovation. Theoretically, this study elucidates the influence mechanism of co-intelligence on digital innovation through a chain-mediated model. Practically, it provides managers with insights for leveraging co-intelligence and refining knowledge management practices to advance digital innovation, offering a foundation for effectively using AI to drive innovation.