An old familiar song? Assessing the artificial intelligence divide among the regions of the European Union and its connections with digital divides

IF 6.4 2区管理学 Q1 COMMUNICATION

Telecommunications Policy Pub Date : 2025-09-01 DOI:10.1016/j.telpol.2025.103030

María Rosalía Vicente, Carla Álvarez-Rodríguez, Ana Suárez-Álvarez

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Abstract

This paper explores the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools by firms across the regions of the European Union. Using the multivariate technique of factor analysis on a set of AI variables, we assess regional levels of AI use and identify both leading and lagging regions. Within countries territorial disparities are also measured. In addition, we explore the extent to which AI use is linked to regional levels of digitalization. Using spatial econometric models, our findings suggest that regional levels of AI use by firms are explained by past usage of digital tools in a region, i.e., by factors related to the second level of the digital divide. No significant relationship is found either for access or outcomes. Furthermore, what neighboring regions do also play a role. Results indicate the existence of complementary effects in AI use between a region and neighbors; meanwhile the relationship would be negative between a region's use of AI and neighbors' digital use.

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一首熟悉的老歌？评估欧盟各地区之间的人工智能鸿沟及其与数字鸿沟的联系

本文探讨了欧盟各地区公司对人工智能（AI）工具的使用。利用一组人工智能变量的多变量因素分析技术，我们评估了人工智能使用的区域水平，并确定了领先和落后的地区。国家内部的地域差异也被衡量。此外，我们还探讨了人工智能的使用与区域数字化水平的联系程度。利用空间计量模型，我们的研究结果表明，企业使用人工智能的区域水平可以通过一个地区过去使用数字工具的情况来解释，即与数字鸿沟第二层相关的因素。没有发现访问或结果之间的显著关系。此外，邻近地区的所作所为也发挥了作用。结果表明，区域与相邻区域在人工智能使用上存在互补效应；同时，一个地区对人工智能的使用与邻国的数字使用之间的关系将是负相关的。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Telecommunications Policy 工程技术-电信学

CiteScore

10.80

自引率

12.50%

发文量

122

审稿时长

38 days

期刊介绍： Telecommunications Policy is concerned with the impact of digitalization in the economy and society. The journal is multidisciplinary, encompassing conceptual, theoretical and empirical studies, quantitative as well as qualitative. The scope includes policy, regulation, and governance; big data, artificial intelligence and data science; new and traditional sectors encompassing new media and the platform economy; management, entrepreneurship, innovation and use. Contributions may explore these topics at national, regional and international levels, including issues confronting both developed and developing countries. The papers accepted by the journal meet high standards of analytical rigor and policy relevance.