THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

Abstract

As global economic development accelerates, achieving a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability has become a critical challenge. This study investigates the role of artificial intelligence (AI) within the digital economy in enhancing Green Economic Efficiency (GEE). By integrating technological innovation with sustainability-oriented economic practices, the research explores how AI adoption contributes to resource efficiency, environmental protection, and long-term economic performance. Using a conceptual framework grounded in prior literature, the study empirically examines the relationships among technological readiness, sustainability awareness, policy support, user technology acceptance, implementation challenges, and green economic efficiency. The Smart Partial Least Squares (SmartPLS) method is employed to analyze survey and secondary data, allowing for the assessment of both measurement reliability and structural relationships within the proposed model. The findings reveal that technological readiness and institutional capacity significantly promote sustainability awareness and policy support, which in turn enhance user acceptance of AI-based digital technologies. User technology acceptance is found to have a strong positive effect on green economic efficiency, indicating that AI-driven digital solutions can effectively improve resource utilization and reduce environmental costs. However, the results also show that implementation challenges—such as skill gaps, high costs, and governance constraints—limit the full realization of AI’s potential benefits. Overall, the study concludes that artificial intelligence enhances green economic efficiency primarily through its integration into the digital economy, supported by effective policies, human capital development, and sustainability-focused digital transformation. The research offers valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to leverage AI as a tool for achieving sustainable economic development.