Culturally-Aware Artificial Intelligence: Personal Values and Technology Acceptance among AI Researchers in China and Germany

INTRODUCTION: AI development is driven by innovation and cultural contexts of collaboration. As AI and IoT systems shape global interaction, understanding cultural influences on technology perception is key for adaptive design and governance. This study compares personal values and AI acceptance among researchers in China and Germany – two leading yet culturally distinct ecosystems.OBJECTIVES: To identify value patterns supporting trustworthy AI and effective cross-cultural collaboration in research and IoT contexts.METHODS: A cross-national survey (n = 200) using the Portraits Value Questionnaire (PVQ) and the Digital Technology Acceptance Scale (DTAS) examined factors shaping AI perception.RESULTS: Chinese participants show higher AI acceptance and stress self-enhancement and conservation; Germans emphasize self-transcendence and greater caution.CONCLUSION: Findings inform culture-aware AI design, value-aligned governance, and intercultural collaboration.