Trust trigger and knowledge elicitor: The role of epistemic objects in coordinating the fragmentation and heterogeneity of knowledge in digital innovation networks

The paper aims to explore how epistemic objects—defined as objects of investigation that are simultaneously underdefined, unfolding objects in collaboration—orchestrate knowledge for coordinating the knowledge fragmentation and heterogeneity in digital innovation networks. By using a mixed‐methods research approach, the paper begins with a qualitative case study to explain the relationships and follows up with quantitative surveys to test the hypotheses. As a result, this study finds that by acting as a trust trigger and a knowledge elicitor, epistemic objects facilitate the sharing, acquisition, and integration of knowledge, thereby coordinating the knowledge fragmentation and heterogeneity among collaborative digital ventures in their innovation networks. Hence, the study makes three contributions: (a) a focus on both affective and cognitive trust triggered by epistemic objects provides a novel source of motivation for collaborative knowledge and innovation activities, (b) the recognition of epistemic objects as a knowledge elicitor provides a new insight into identification and coordination of knowledge heterogeneity within innovation networks, and (c) it highlights the independent role of epistemic objects that presents an alternative to human control with instrumental artifacts on collaborative knowledge and innovation work.