Artificial Intelligence and New Quality Productive Forces

ABSTRACT This paper empirically examines the effect of artificial intelligence (AI) on the new quality productive forces (NQPF) of Chinese listed companies from 2010 to 2024. The results show that AI is associated with a statistically significant improvement in firms' NQPF. Mechanism analysis indicates that this effect is contingent on the alleviation of financing constraints and the enhancement of green innovation capacity. Heterogeneity analysis further suggests that the association between AI and NQPF is stronger among state‐owned firms, high‐tech firms and firms with lower pollution intensity. Overall, this study contributes to the literature on firm efficiency and NQPF and provides evidence that supports firms' efforts to advance and apply AI technologies.