IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v17y2025i13p5920-d1688832.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Artificial Intelligence Adoption and Role of Energy Structure, Infrastructure, Financial Inclusions, and Carbon Emissions: Quantile Analysis of E-7 Nations

Author

Listed:
  • Shanwen Gu

    (School of Marxism, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Shanghai 200433, China)

  • Adil Javed

    (Department of Economics, University of Management and Technology, Lahore 54770, Pakistan)

Abstract

The E-7 nations face significant challenges in harmonizing artificial intelligence (AI) adoption with sustainable economic and environmental goals. While AI holds transformative potential to revolutionize energy structures, modernize infrastructure, broaden financial inclusion, and reduce carbon emissions, its effective integration is frequently hindered by policy inertia, economic limitations, and long-standing institutional barriers. Using the multi-level perspective (MLP), this study employs the method of moments quantile regression (MMQREG) on panel data from 2004 to 2024 to investigate the determinants of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, focusing on the roles of energy structure (ES), infrastructure (INFRA), financial inclusion (FI), economic growth (GDP), patent activity (Tpatent), population (TP), and carbon emissions (CE) across E-7 nations. The study findings reveal that economic growth and energy structure play a significant role in driving AI adoption, while inadequacies in infrastructure and limited financial inclusion significantly hinder AI progress. Additionally, the analysis reveals a positive relationship between AI adoption and CO 2 emissions, where early stages of technology uptake lead to increased emissions, but sustained integration eventually results in efficiency gains that help to reduce them. These findings underscore the need for E-7 nations to adopt targeted policies that modernize digital and physical infrastructure, broaden financial access, and expedite the transition to sustainable energy systems. This study offers actionable insights for policymakers to align digital innovation with sustainable development goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Shanwen Gu & Adil Javed, 2025. "Artificial Intelligence Adoption and Role of Energy Structure, Infrastructure, Financial Inclusions, and Carbon Emissions: Quantile Analysis of E-7 Nations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-25, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:5920-:d:1688832
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/13/5920/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/13/5920/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Valentina Vasile & Otilia Manta, 2025. "FinTech and AI as Opportunities for a Sustainable Economy," FinTech, MDPI, vol. 4(2), pages 1-28, March.
    2. Joakim Westerlund & David L. Edgerton, 2008. "A Simple Test for Cointegration in Dependent Panels with Structural Breaks," Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics, Department of Economics, University of Oxford, vol. 70(5), pages 665-704, October.
    3. Nahar, Sharmin, 2024. "Modeling the effects of artificial intelligence (AI)-based innovation on sustainable development goals (SDGs): Applying a system dynamics perspective in a cross-country setting," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 201(C).
    4. Scott Robbins & Aimee van Wynsberghe, 2022. "Our New Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure: Becoming Locked into an Unsustainable Future," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-11, April.
    5. M. Hashem Pesaran, 2021. "General diagnostic tests for cross-sectional dependence in panels," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 60(1), pages 13-50, January.
    6. Usman Mehmood & Muhammad Umar Aslam & Muhammad Adil Javed, 2023. "Associating Economic Growth and Ecological Footprints through Human Capital and Biocapacity in South Asia," World, MDPI, vol. 4(3), pages 1-14, September.
    7. Umair Kashif & Junguo Shi & Snovia Naseem & Shanshan Dou & Zohaib Zahid, 2024. "ICT service exports and CO2 emissions in OECD countries: the moderating effect of regulatory quality," Economic Change and Restructuring, Springer, vol. 57(3), pages 1-17, June.
    8. Nelson, Richard R. & Sampat, Bhaven N., 2001. "Making sense of institutions as a factor shaping economic performance," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 44(1), pages 31-54, January.
    9. Nils Grashof & Alexander Kopka, 2023. "Artificial intelligence and radical innovation: an opportunity for all companies?," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 61(2), pages 771-797, August.
    10. Maha Kalai & Hamdi Becha & Kamel Helali, 2024. "Effect of artificial intelligence on economic growth in European countries: a symmetric and asymmetric cointegration based on linear and non-linear ARDL approach," Journal of Economic Structures, Springer;Pan-Pacific Association of Input-Output Studies (PAPAIOS), vol. 13(1), pages 1-37, December.
    11. Geels, Frank W., 2002. "Technological transitions as evolutionary reconfiguration processes: a multi-level perspective and a case-study," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 31(8-9), pages 1257-1274, December.
    12. Siddik, Abu Bakkar & Forid, Md. Shak & Yong, Li & Du, Anna Min & Goodell, John W., 2025. "Artificial intelligence as a catalyst for sustainable tourism growth and economic cycles," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 210(C).
    13. M. Hashem Pesaran, 2007. "A simple panel unit root test in the presence of cross-section dependence," Journal of Applied Econometrics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 22(2), pages 265-312.
    14. Yang, Senmiao & Wang, Jianda & Dong, Kangyin & Dong, Xiucheng & Wang, Kun & Fu, Xiaowen, 2024. "Is artificial intelligence technology innovation a recipe for low-carbon energy transition? A global perspective," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 300(C).
    15. Ping Han & Tingting He & Can Feng & Yihan Wang, 2024. "Research on Whether Artificial Intelligence Affects Industrial Carbon Emission Intensity Based on the Perspective of Industrial Structure and Government Intervention," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-19, October.
    16. Peterson K. Ozili, 2018. "Impact of digital finance on financial inclusion and stability," Borsa Istanbul Review, Research and Business Development Department, Borsa Istanbul, vol. 18(4), pages 329-340, December.
    17. Jun Liu & Hengxu Shen & Junwei Chen & Xin Jiang & Abdul Waheed Siyal, 2025. "Artificial Intelligence and Carbon Emissions: Mediating Role of Energy Efficiency, Factor Market Allocation and Industrial Structure," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-18, February.
    18. Sun, Yunpeng & Li, Tonxin & Mehmood, Usman, 2025. "Balancing acts: Assessing the roles of renewable energy, economic complexity, Fintech, green finance, green growth, and economic performance in G-20 countries amidst sustainability efforts," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 378(PA).
    19. Nepal, Rabindra & Zhao, Xiaomeng & Dong, Kangyin & Wang, Jianda & Sharif, Arshian, 2025. "Can artificial intelligence technology innovation boost energy resilience? The role of green finance," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 142(C).
    20. Mingyue Chen & Shuting Wang & Xiaowen Wang, 2024. "How Does Artificial Intelligence Impact Green Development? Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-23, February.
    21. Nir Kshetri, 2021. "The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Promoting Financial Inclusion in Developing Countries," Journal of Global Information Technology Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(1), pages 1-6, January.
    22. Zhao, Congyu & Dong, Kangyin & Wang, Kun & Nepal, Rabindra, 2024. "How does artificial intelligence promote renewable energy development? The role of climate finance," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    23. Jiang, Mingdong & Yu, Xinxin, 2025. "Enhancing the resilience of urban energy systems: The role of artificial intelligence," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).
    24. Ozili, Peterson Kitakogelu, 2018. "Impact of Digital Finance on Financial Inclusion and Stability," MPRA Paper 84771, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    25. Jun Liu & Yu Qian & Yuanjun Yang & Zhidan Yang, 2022. "Can Artificial Intelligence Improve the Energy Efficiency of Manufacturing Companies? Evidence from China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-18, February.
    26. Fang, Yuzhu & Lee, Chi-Chuan & Li, Xinghao, 2025. "Assessing the impact of artificial intelligence on the transition to renewable energy? Analysis of U.S. states under policy uncertainty," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 246(C).
    27. Pingali, Srinivas R. & Singha, Sumanta & Arunachalam, S. & Pedada, Kiran, 2023. "Digital readiness of small and medium enterprises in emerging markets: The construct, propositions, measurement, and implications," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    28. Levin, Andrew & Lin, Chien-Fu & James Chu, Chia-Shang, 2002. "Unit root tests in panel data: asymptotic and finite-sample properties," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 108(1), pages 1-24, May.
    29. Modupe Oluyemisi Oyebanji & Rui Alexandre Castanho & Sema Yilmaz Genc & Dervis Kirikkaleli, 2022. "Patents on Environmental Technologies and Environmental Sustainability in Spain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-17, May.
    30. Kingsley Ukoba & Kehinde O. Olatunji & Eyitayo Adeoye & Tien-Chien Jen & Daniel M. Madyira, 2024. "Optimizing renewable energy systems through artificial intelligence: Review and future prospects," Energy & Environment, , vol. 35(7), pages 3833-3879, November.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Muhammad Shafiullah & Luke Emeka Okafor & Usman Khalid, 2019. "Determinants of international tourism demand: Evidence from Australian states and territories," Tourism Economics, , vol. 25(2), pages 274-296, March.
    2. Cheng, Yuk-Shing & Li, Raymond & Woo, Chi-Keung, 2021. "Regional energy-growth nexus and energy conservation policy in China," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).
    3. Abdilahi Ali & Baris Alpaslan, 2013. "Do Migrant Remittances Complement Domestic Investment? New Evidence from Panel Cointegration," Economics Discussion Paper Series 1308, Economics, The University of Manchester.
    4. Anushka Verma & Arun Kumar Giri & Byomakesh Debata, 2025. "ICT Diffusion, Financial Instability, and Shadow Economy: Panel Evidence from SAARC Economies," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 16(3), pages 12595-12616, September.
    5. Abdilahi Ali & Baris Alpaslan, 2017. "Is There an Investment Motive Behind Remittances? Evidence From Panel Cointegration," Journal of Developing Areas, Tennessee State University, College of Business, vol. 51(1), pages 63-82, January-M.
    6. Mohsin Shabir, 2024. "Does Financial Inclusion Promote Environmental Sustainability: Analyzing the Role of Technological Innovation and Economic Globalization," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(1), pages 19-46, March.
    7. Bu, Fan & wu, Hong & Mahmoud, Haitham A. & Alzoubi, Haitham M. & Ramazanovna, Nargiza Kuzieva & Gao, Yirui, 2023. "Do financial inclusion, natural resources and urbanization affect the sustainable environment in emerging economies," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 87(PA).
    8. Sevgi SEZER, 2017. "The effects of real exchange rates and income on the trade balance: A second generation panel data analysis for transition economies and Turkey," Theoretical and Applied Economics, Asociatia Generala a Economistilor din Romania / Editura Economica, vol. 0(2(611), S), pages 171-186, Summer.
    9. Jalil, Abdul, 2014. "Energy–growth conundrum in energy exporting and importing countries: Evidence from heterogeneous panel methods robust to cross-sectional dependence," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 314-324.
    10. Damette, Olivier & Seghir, Majda, 2013. "Energy as a driver of growth in oil exporting countries?," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 37(C), pages 193-199.
    11. Olesia Kozlova & Jose Noguera-Santaella, 2019. "Relative efficiency of oil price versus oil output in promoting economic growth: Is OPEC’s strategy right?," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 57(6), pages 1997-2012, December.
    12. Badeeb, Ramez Abubakr & Wang, Bo & Zhao, Jun & Khan, Zeeshan & Uktamov, Khusniddin Fakhriddinovich & Zhang, Changyong, 2023. "Natural resources extraction and financial inclusion: Linear and non-linear effect of natural resources on financial sector," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PA).
    13. Huaping Sun & Love Enna & Augustine Monney & Dang Khoa Tran & Ehsan Rasoulinezhad & Farhad Taghizadeh-Hesary, 2020. "The Long-Run Effects of Trade Openness on Carbon Emissions in Sub-Saharan African Countries," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(20), pages 1-18, October.
    14. Murshed, Muntasir & Ahmed, Rizwan & Al-Tal, Raad Mahmoud & Kumpamool, Chamaiporn & Vetchagool, Witchulada & Avarado, Rafael, 2023. "Determinants of financial inclusion in South Asia: The moderating and mediating roles of internal conflict settlement," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    15. Hossain, Mohammad Razib & Rao, Amar & Sharma, Gagan Deep & Dev, Dhairya & Kharbanda, Aeshna, 2024. "Empowering energy transition: Green innovation, digital finance, and the path to sustainable prosperity through green finance initiatives," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 136(C).
    16. Alam, Md. Samsul & Miah, Mohammad Dulal & Hammoudeh, Shawkat & Tiwari, Aviral Kumar, 2018. "The nexus between access to electricity and labour productivity in developing countries," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 715-726.
    17. Li, Yi & Liu, Christy Ying Ni & Lao, Ut & Dang, Jiangtong, 2024. "Navigating the path to environmental sustainability: Exploring the role of fintech, natural resources and green energy in Belt and Road countries," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    18. Belaïd, Fateh & Zrelli, Maha Harbaoui, 2019. "Renewable and non-renewable electricity consumption, environmental degradation and economic development: Evidence from Mediterranean countries," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    19. Chien-Chiang Lee & Tie-Ying Liu, 2017. "Insurance development, banking activities, and regional output: evidence from China," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 53(3), pages 1059-1081, November.
    20. Qamruzzaman, Md, 2022. "Nexus between renewable energy, foreign direct investment, and agro-productivity: The mediating role of carbon emission," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 184(C), pages 526-540.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:5920-:d:1688832. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.