A Sociomaterial Framework for Orchestrating Knowledge Co-Creation in Expert Communities

Abstract

Complex societal challenges increasingly require knowledge co-creation that unites diverse expertise across organisational and sectoral boundaries. Such collaboration does not usually arise spontaneously but requires orchestration practices to coordinate actors from different fields. Previous research on orchestration has examined networks, expert communities, digital platforms, collaborative processes, and material artifacts largely as separate streams of research. However, less attention has been paid to sociomaterial orchestration in voluntary expert communities on digital collaboration platforms. Therefore, the research question is “How is knowledge co-creation orchestrated in expert communities on a digital collaboration platform?” The empirical setting is based on the Fast Expert Teams model developed at LUT Business School, which invites volunteer experts from different sectors to engage in pro bono work on complex societal challenges through a four-week digitally mediated collaboration process. The study adopts a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach and qualitative methods, through which the research team both implemented FET initiatives and conducted research. The empirical data consist of six FET collaboration processes, ranging from approximately 50 to over 100 participants, from which rich longitudinal qualitative data were collected. The study draws on process analysis and practice-based theorizing. The study develops a sociomaterial framework for orchestrating knowledge co-creation in expert communities. Sociomaterial orchestration aligns social, processual, technological, and material dimensions to enable collective outcomes. The framework is scalable and suitable for orchestrating initiatives across different forms of collaboration, from small-scale local projects to global networks.