Digitalisation and artificial intelligence development. A cross-country analysis

Purpose - This study aims to examine how cultural dimensions affect digitalisation, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) development and its implementation strategies in 38 countries. Design/methodology/approach - We use a mixed methodology to obtain a deeper insight into a complex and, at the same time, understudied phenomenon, e.g. the global impact of cultural values on digitalisation and AI development. Combining quantitative and qualitative analyses, we shed new light on the empirical manifestations of cultural dimensions and expert perceptions. Quantitative analysis uses regression models based on data sourced from the GLOBE and Digital Competitiveness Ranking studies. Qualitative insights are drawn from epistemic interviews with experts representing four countries, namely China, Italy, Russia and the USA, which belong to different cultural clusters. The choice to have countries representing different clusters follows the logic of the GLOBE Project and aims at gaining insight into different cultural groups and scaling up the results to other countries in the same cluster. Findings - Key findings highlight risk aversion as a pivotal factor, encompassing uncertainty avoidance, future orientation, institutional collectivism, power distance and performance orientation practices. Expert interviews elucidate how these cultural values influence national strategies, regulatory frameworks, stakeholder engagement, competitive dynamics and future skill requirements in AI implementation and development. Research limitations/implications - Further research is recommended to delve deeper into the intricate relationship between country culture, technological adoption and economic progress, enriching global understanding of digitalisation dynamics and AI implementation and development. The research data can be further developed and expanded to include other GLOBE clusters not covered in this study, allowing for a deeper analysis. Inviting more experts from each region would enhance the breadth of perspectives. Moreover, similar studies could be conducted within the context of a single country to provide a more detailed examination. Practical implications - Implications for policymakers underscore the need to integrate cultural considerations into digitalisation strategies, ensuring alignment with societal values and optimising economic outcomes. Businesses are encouraged to adopt culturally sensitive approaches to AI implementation to build trust and foster engagement within diverse cultural contexts. Originality/value - The originality of this study lies in its exploration of the intersection between digitalisation, AI implementation and cultural dimensions – an area that has so far received limited attention in the available literature. While comparative studies often focus on the technical or policy aspects of digital advancements, this research highlights how cultural factors can facilitate or hinder these developments. Moreover, the study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis with qualitative insights. This approach allows deeper understanding and cross-validation of findings, enhancing the study’s credibility and offering a more nuanced perspective on the role of culture in shaping digital transformation.