China's artificial intelligence efficiency and its influencing factors: Based on DEA-Malmquist and Tobit regression model

The proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a critical metric for assessing a country's technological advancement, but also for regional economic coordination and high-quality development in China. Based on panel data collected from 31 provinces between 2006 and 2021, this study employs the DEA-Malmquist index model and panel Tobit model to examine the scale, distributional attributes, and influencing factors of AI resource allocation. Results indicate that China's AI resource allocation efficiency has generally increased, with technical efficiency generating a “pull effect” that propels total factor productivity growth rates higher than those attributable to technological progress. Furthermore, AI efficiency in non-coastal regions outstrips that in coastal areas, with total factor productivity growth arising from a substantial increase in technological progress rates. Regional economic development, labor demand, openness to foreign participation, and human capital level exert pivotal roles in enhancing AI resource allocation efficiency. Based on these findings, we suggest a set of strategies aimed at enhancing China's AI resource allocation efficiency, including amplifying government guidance, increasing R&D investments, upgrading economic development levels, fostering the development and strengthening of tangible economy, and attracting and nurturing high-quality scientific research talent.