Abstract: 【Purpose/significance】By analyzing the deep relationship among knowledge overlap, knowledge creation process, and so⁃ cial network structure characteristics, we explore the mechanism of inter-organizational knowledge overlap on knowledge creation and provide theoretical and practical guidance for the successful implementation of organizational knowledge creation process.【Method/ process】Based on the literature review, a model of the influence of inter-organizational knowledge overlap on the knowledge creation process is constructed. The mechanism of the influence of inter-organizational knowledge overlap on knowledge creation from the per⁃ spective of social networks is further explored through an in-depth analysis of the structure and relationship characteristics of the coop⁃ erative network in which the organization is located【. Result/conclusion】Knowledge overlap between organizations and external organi⁃ zations establishes the basis for knowledge creation by providing a common context as well as improving organizational similarity and reducing the risk of cooperation, which improves operability and success. At the same time, the structural characteristics of the social networks in which organizations are located, including scale, density, and centrality, also influence the frequency of inter-organizational knowledge interactions, which in turn affects the degree of knowledge overlap and provides for the knowledge creation process of focal organizations. In addition, the relationship characteristics of inter-organizational social networks, including relationship strength and trust, also influence the willingness of inter-organizational knowledge interactions and the formation of knowledge overlap【. Innovation/ limitation】This paper constructs a theoretical model of the mechanism of inter-organizational knowledge overlap on the knowledge cre⁃ ation process from a social network perspective, which needs to be further explored and empirically tested in the future.