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Linking Ict Expertise And Ai Innovation: Evidence From Eu Countries

Author

Listed:
  • RADOMIR Sylvester Robert

    (Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu)

  • IANCU Adrian-Nicolae

    (Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu)

Abstract

This study examines how the internal composition of information and communication technology (ICT) expertise is linked to artificial intelligence (AI) adoption among enterprises in the European Union. Using Eurostat data for the 27 Member States over 2021-2023, the article constructs a matched country-year panel that connects enterprise AI use with the educational structure of the ICT specialist workforce. The analysis distinguishes between ICT specialists with non-tertiary education (ED0-4) and tertiary education (ED5-8), then introduces ICT_TertiaryGap as a compact indicator of the balance between advanced and operational ICT expertise. The empirical design combines descriptive panel analysis, a skill-composition readiness profile, and linear association models with year controls and repeated national observations. The results indicate that AI adoption is more closely aligned with the tertiary component of the ICT workforce than with the non-tertiary component. The contrast indicator reinforces this pattern by showing that country-years with a stronger tertiary dominance in ICT expertise tend to correspond to more favourable AI-readiness conditions. The findings suggest that AI diffusion depends not only on the availability of ICT workers, but also on the educational depth and internal balance of national ICT labour markets.

Suggested Citation

  • RADOMIR Sylvester Robert & IANCU Adrian-Nicolae, 2025. "Linking Ict Expertise And Ai Innovation: Evidence From Eu Countries," Revista Economica, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Faculty of Economic Sciences, vol. 77(4), pages 59-68, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:blg:reveco:v:77:y:2025:i:4:p:59-68
    DOI: 10.56043/reveco-2025-0033
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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