The impact mechanism and policy implications of artificial intelligence technology application on the efficiency of ecological product value conversion

The empowerment of ecological civilization construction by artificial intelligence has emerged as a pivotal pathway for advancing regional sustainable development. Drawing on the policies of Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Development Pilot Zones, this study employs the difference-in-differences method and utilizes panel data of 282 prefecture-level and above cities spanning the period from 2011 to 2023 to empirically investigate the mechanism through which artificial intelligence technology application influences the value transformation efficiency of ecological products. The key findings are summarized as follows: (1) The application of artificial intelligence technology exerts a significantly positive impact on the regional value transformation efficiency of ecological products, which is primarily mediated by strengthening public environmental attention, facilitating green technological innovation, enhancing ecological governance capacity, and driving industrial upgrading. (2) Heterogeneity analysis reveals the "compensation effect" of artificial intelligence application, namely, the promotional effect of artificial intelligence technology application is more pronounced in cities with relatively poor ecological environments. (3) In comparison with artificial intelligence innovation-driven development, the industrialization of artificial intelligence exerts a more significant facilitating effect on the value transformation efficiency, indicating that the commercial application of technology constitutes a critical link in realizing the effective transformation of ecological value.