An empirical analysis of multi-actor knowledge sharing on knowledge creation: the moderating mediation of platform empowerment

This study explores comprehensive makerspaces with dual attributes of "transaction" and "innovation". Utilizing advanced statistical methods, specifically structural equation modeling and hierarchical linear regression, we analyze how multi-actor knowledge sharing, platform empowerment, and knowledge creation perform under environmental turbulence. These statistical models are crucial in uncovering the complex relationships and mediating and moderating effects involved. Our findings reveal that platform empowerment fully mediates the relationship between multi-actor knowledge sharing and knowledge creation. Additionally, environmental turbulence positively moderates platform empowerment, while its interaction with knowledge sharing negatively affects these capabilities. When environmental turbulence is low, multi-actor knowledge sharing significantly boosts platform empowerment; this effect is reduced under high turbulence. These insights offer practical guidance for optimizing platform empowerment and knowledge-sharing strategies to manage external turbulence, supporting sustainable development in incubation platforms and startups.