Orchestrating Multi-Agent Knowledge Ecosystems: The Role of Makerspaces

Area of Science:

• Knowledge Management
• Innovation Ecosystems
• Sociotechnical Systems

Background:

• The knowledge economy relies on multi-agent, multi-level systems for knowledge sharing and value co-creation.
• Makerspaces act as crucial resource orchestrators and platform supporters in nascent innovation ecosystems.
• Existing literature often overlooks the interactive dynamics within makerspace-embedded knowledge ecosystems, particularly concerning civil society and the natural environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a comprehensive multi-agent, multi-level knowledge ecosystem model.
• To analyze the roles and interactions of key actors within this ecosystem.
• To explore the evolutionary stages of knowledge orchestrating processes.

Main Methods:

• Application of the Quintuple Helix theory to model the knowledge ecosystem.
• Development of a framework encompassing macro, meso, and micro perspectives.
• Design of four distinct evolutionary stages for knowledge orchestration.

Main Results:

• Identified symbiosis, co-evolution, interaction, and orchestration as key processes.
• Demonstrated the necessity of merging these processes for effective value co-creation.
• Highlighted the central role of makerspaces in facilitating these interactions.

Conclusions:

• A systematic approach to understanding and managing knowledge ecosystems is essential.
• The proposed multi-level framework provides a valuable tool for policymakers, managers, and researchers.
• Integrating diverse agents and their interactions is critical for sustainable ecological development and value co-creation.