ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF USING AI IN SMART SPECIALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR REGIONS IN NORTHERN ITALY
Abstract
The article examines the economic benefits of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools into the smart specialization strategies of northern Italian regions, particularly leading regions such as Lombardy, Veneto, and Piedmont. The author analyzes the key mechanisms of AI's impact on regional development, focusing on three main aspects: optimization of production processes, increasing the competitiveness of local enterprises, and stimulating innovation. Particular attention is paid to quantitative indicators of economic impact, including GDP growth, labor productivity, and job creation in high-tech sectors. Based on an in-depth analysis of regional cases, it has been proven that the implementation of AI solutions can achieve a 15-20% increase in production efficiency, which is a significant indicator for regional economies. Successful examples of the creation of AI clusters, which have become drivers of innovative development in Northern Italy, are examined in detail. The author emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships in the implementation of such projects, analyzing optimal financing and management models. A separate section is devoted to the analysis of the organizational and economic foundations for the implementation of AI in regional development strategies. The author proposes an original methodology for modeling regional development taking into account AI factors, which allows predicting the economic effects of digital transformation. The study also covers an analysis of regional policy instruments aimed at increasing the competitiveness of territories through the use of artificial intelligence. An important aspect of the work is the consideration of AI regulation issues, in particular the analysis of European approaches to striking a balance between innovative development and cybersecurity. The author offers recommendations for improving the management of development projects, taking into account the priorities of regional specialization.
References
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