Bridging AI and human intelligence: advancing knowledge ecosystems through effective communication for strategic innovation in the US utility industry

Purpose The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and human intelligence (HI) in knowledge ecosystems (KEs) is revolutionizing how organizations create, disseminate and use knowledge to drive strategic innovation. This research aims to investigate the moderating and mediating role of AI between communication effectiveness and strategic innovation in the US utility industry, aiming at enhancing the communication strategies of knowledge management theories and practices. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a quantitative approach, surveying 312 US participants. Results were analyzed using structural equation modeling via SmartPLS 4. Questionnaires were distributed to knowledge managers, AI specialists and innovation leaders across industries related to utilities, including education, health care, technology, manufacturing and finance. Findings The findings indicate that effective communication has a significant influence on AI integration, which, in turn, affects strategic innovation in a powerful way. Yet, AI is not a moderator but serves as a crucial mediating variable, thereby emphasizing communication as a driver of AI-enabled innovation. Furthermore, it was discovered that firm size, industry type and organizational culture do not play significant moderating roles in these relationships. Originality/value This research contributes to organizational change management, AI–human integration and strategic innovation by providing empirical insights into the interplay of AI, communication and innovation within knowledge ecosystems. As businesses continue to adopt AI, often driven by risks of technological obsolescence, its development and implementation must remain under responsible human oversight. This paper emphasizes this often-neglected dimension, aiming to contribute to innovative knowledge management strategies that are applicable to real-world circumstances.