Measuring the Effects and Examining the Mechanisms of Artificial Intelligence Empowering Rural Revitalization

The Chinese government is committed to promoting the deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology with rural development, advocating for the construction of a new “rural revitalization” model supported by information technology. However, its actual effectiveness and economic mechanisms require more thorough empirical verification. Based on Chinese sample data from 2011 to 2023, this study empirically examines the impact of AI on rural revitalization. Findings reveal that AI exerts a significant and sustained supportive role in comprehensive rural revitalization. Deeper analysis reveals that the AI-driven process of comprehensive rural revitalization is not linear but exhibits an inverted “U” pattern—initially promoting then inhibiting development. Mechanism tests indicate that AI empowers comprehensive rural revitalization by enhancing innovation activity and economic dynamism. In the samples where there is a data trading center, a high population density, and a large proportion of rural population, the enabling effect of artificial intelligence is more pronounced, indicating that data elements, population size, and location are important external influencing factors. The paper argues that policy optimization should focus on building a strategic ecosystem for “digital-intelligent villages,” advancing institutional development alongside technological implementation, and devising tiered implementation strategies to fully unleash AI’s enabling potential.