Technical gazette, Vol. 33 No. 6, 2026.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.17559/TV-20260408003519
Multifaceted Pathways for the Enhancement of China's Artificial Intelligence Industry from a Configurational Perspective: An Analysis Based on Dynamic QCA
Zeyu Lin
; School of Economics and Management, Ningbo University of Technology, Ningbo 315211, China
Zeyu Xu
; School of Economics & Management, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
Zeyu He
; School of Economics & Management, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This paper aims to comprehensively investigate the multifaceted pathways for advancing the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. To this end, it employs the dynamic qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) method to analyze the panel data of 228 cities in China during 2011 and 2021. The estimations reveal that high-level AI industry development results from the synergistic interaction of multiple factors rather than a single dominant factor. Six configurational pathways are identified and grouped into four categories: built environment-driven pathways, a dual pathway jointly driven by built and cultural environments, and a government-led pathway. Subsequent examination reveals distinct attributes of these pathways in terms of space and time: Results of temporal effect analysis indicate that policies have a substantial positive influence on the consistency of multifaceted, balanced, and government-led pathways. Spatial analysis reveals that the development of cities in the eastern region depends primarily on the built environment, while central areas tend to follow a multifaceted-driven development. Central cities exhibit greater constructive collaboration between the built and cultural environments, and the distribution of government-led pathway cases is relatively random. These findings suggest differentiated policy strategies. Cities with developed infrastructure may increase AI investment and policy support to overcome cultural barriers, whereas regions with developing economies should prioritize infrastructure construction for the AI industry.
Keywords
artificial intelligence; configurational analysis; dynamic QCA; industry differentiation development
Hrčak ID:
353099
URI
Publication date:
7.11.2026.
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