ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS A FACTOR IN SHAPING THE COUNTRY'S ECONOMIC POTENTIAL: STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT ON MACROECONOMIC INDICATORS

Abstract

The scientific article explores the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a fundamental factor in shaping the economic potential of modern states. In the context of global digitalization, AI has evolved from a niche technological innovation into a "general-purpose technology" that fundamentally redefines the mechanisms of macroeconomic growth. The purpose of this study is to conduct a comprehensive statistical analysis of the impact of AI integration on key macroeconomic indicators and to identify the nature of these dependencies. The research methodology is based on a systemic approach, incorporating a diverse set of variables to capture the multifaceted nature of the AI-driven economy. The study focuses on resource indicators, such as total investment in AI and the density of AI specialists in the labor market, alongside institutional factors represented by the Index of Economic Freedom. These independent variables are analyzed in correlation with core macroeconomic outcomes: real GDP growth rates, unemployment levels, and the dynamics of real wages. The analysis reveals that investments in AI generate a significant multiplier effect, but their efficiency is strictly contingent upon the level of economic freedom and the quality of human capital. A critical finding of the research is the dual nature of AI's impact on the labor market. While automation may pose risks of structural unemployment in traditional sectors, the concentration of AI specialists acts as a catalyst for increasing the total factor productivity, which ultimately leads to a rise in real wages in high-tech industries. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that countries with higher indices of economic freedom exhibit a more seamless integration of AI technologies, resulting in more robust GDP growth trajectories. The findings provide empirical evidence that AI is not merely an automation tool but a strategic driver of national competitiveness. The paper concludes with recommendations for policymakers, emphasizing the need for balanced investment in AI infrastructure, fostering a favorable institutional environment, and adapting educational systems to mitigate labor market imbalances. The results of this statistical analysis can be utilized by state authorities and international organizations for strategic planning and forecasting in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.