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The Impact Mechanism of AI Technology on Enterprise Innovation Resilience

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  • Xun Zhang

    (Business School, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China)

  • Yamei Wei

    (Business School, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China)

Abstract

Amid the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and increasing environmental uncertainty, enterprises are facing unprecedented challenges in sustaining innovation. As a key enabler of digital transformation, AI enhances resource allocation efficiency and knowledge acquisition, offering new avenues for continuous innovation under dynamic conditions. Innovation resilience—defined as a firm’s ability to maintain and restore innovation activities during external shocks—has emerged as a critical indicator of organizational adaptability. Leveraging its advantages in data processing, process optimization, and organizational learning, AI is increasingly regarded as a pivotal driver of innovation resilience. This study develops a theoretical framework linking AI technology, dynamic capabilities, and innovation resilience. Using panel data from Chinese A-share listed companies between 2013 and 2023, we conduct an empirical analysis with a two-way fixed effects model. The results reveal that AI technology significantly enhances innovation resilience; dynamic capabilities partially mediate this relationship; and financial constraints positively moderate the effect of AI on innovation resilience. By adopting a dual perspective of technological enablement and capability construction, this research uncovers the internal mechanism through which AI fosters resilient innovation and provides practical insights for enterprises seeking capability upgrading under resource limitations.

Suggested Citation

  • Xun Zhang & Yamei Wei, 2025. "The Impact Mechanism of AI Technology on Enterprise Innovation Resilience," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:11:p:5169-:d:1671829
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    References listed on IDEAS

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