Smart Innovation for a Circular Economy: A Systematic Review of Emerging Trends and the Future of AI in the Sustainable Economy

The present study explores the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in driving the sustainable economy forward through the optimization of resources and the mitigation of environmental impacts. However, the study also identifies significant challenges in the conceptual and methodological integration necessary to establish a comprehensive theoretical framework. The heterogeneity of these approaches hinders the discernment of discernible patterns within the scientific literature, thereby impeding the development of efficacious strategies to optimize their impact on sustainability. The present study employs the PRISMA 2020 methodology to analyze trends in scientific production on AI and the sustainable economy, thereby ensuring a rigorous process of identifying and evaluating studies. The mapping of the academic community, the geographical distribution of knowledge, and the evolution of approaches allow us to understand the research dynamics and identify gaps in the literature. This study makes a significant contribution to the field by offering a comprehensive perspective that supports the integration of AI into sustainable models and its application in sectors with high environmental and economic impacts.