Artificial Intelligence and Enterprise Technological Innovation: Evidence From China

Yang Zhang; Yuexian Chang; Haoyu Zhou

doi:10.1002/mde.70002

journal article Jun 24, 2025

Artificial Intelligence and Enterprise Technological Innovation: Evidence From China

Yang Zhang

Yuexian Chang Haoyu Zhou

Managerial and Decision Economics Vol. 46 No. 7 pp. 4056-4069 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/mde.70002

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the technological innovation (TI) of enterprises and explores its mechanisms of action based on data from Chinese enterprises. This study finds that AI significantly promotes enterprise TI. The reliability of these conclusions is validated through instrumental variable regression and robustness tests. Key mechanisms through which AI enhances enterprise innovation include total factor productivity (TFP) improvement, human capital structure optimization, and digital transformation. The level of internal R&D focus within enterprises plays a positive moderating role in the incentive effects of AI on TI. AI can not only enhance the quantity of technological innovation but also promote the diffusion of technology. Enterprises in the service industry exhibit stronger effects. Therefore, it is recommended that governments increase support for AI technologies, promote the integration of traditional industries, and improve talent training mechanisms. This would allow AI to play a more positive role in fostering enterprise TI and driving high‐quality economic development.

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Details

Published: Jun 24, 2025
Vol/Issue: 46(7)
Pages: 4056-4069
License: View

Authors

Y

Yang Zhang

School of Economics Guizhou University Guiyang China; 117 Geological Brigade of Bureau of Geology and Mineral Exploration and Development Guizhou Province Guiyang China

Y

Yuexian Chang

School of International Economics and Business Nanjing University of Finance and Economics Nanjing China

H

Haoyu Zhou

School of Marketing and Logistics Management Nanjing University of Finance and Economics Nanjing China

Cite This Article

Yang Zhang, Yuexian Chang, Haoyu Zhou (2025). Artificial Intelligence and Enterprise Technological Innovation: Evidence From China. Managerial and Decision Economics, 46(7), 4056-4069. https://doi.org/10.1002/mde.70002

Artificial Intelligence and Enterprise Technological Innovation: Evidence From China

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