Artificial Intelligence as an Epistemic Co-Agent: Redefining the Scientific Research Process and Organizational Practices

Aya Daruich

The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into scientific research is profoundly transforming the processes through which knowledge is produced and validated. While prior studies predominantly conceptualize AI as an instrumental tool, limited attention has been paid to its role as an epistemic actor in knowledge construction. Addressing this gap, this paper conceptualizes AI as an epistemic co-agent that actively participates in the scientific research process. Adopting a conceptual research design, the study develops an analytical framework characterizing the various forms of human-AI interaction and the emergence of hybrid intelligence configurations in scientific production, organized around an original three-configuration typology: the researcher as producer, collaborator, or supervisor. The paper further examines the organizational and managerial implications of AI integration, including transformations in research practices, evolving decision-making processes, and governance challenges. This study makes three primary contributions: (1) it introduces the concept of AI as an epistemic co-agent; (2) it develops a conceptual framework of human-AI epistemic collaboration; and (3) it outlines governance mechanisms for AI-augmented research environments.