AI adoption, organizational learning, and knowledge creation—the moderating role of AI readiness

Purpose The explosive development of artificial intelligence (AI) has opened new possibilities for organizational knowledge creation (KC). However, how firms convert AI adoption into a sustainable source of value through organizational learning (OL), thereby enabling the continuous generation of innovative knowledge, remains underexplored. Drawing on the knowledge-based view and dynamic capability theory, this study aims to examine the relationship between AI adoption and KC and the mediating role of OL. Design/methodology/approach This study develops a theoretical model explaining how firms’ AI adoption facilitates KC through the mediating role of OL and examines the moderating effect of AI readiness. The proposed hypotheses are tested through hierarchical regression analysis based on two-wave survey data from 219 firms. Findings AI adoption has a positive effect on KC, and OL positively mediates this relationship. Originality/value This study advances the theoretical understanding of KC in the digital era and offers actionable guidance for firms seeking to leverage AI for knowledge-creation activities.