The Mediating Role of Digital Intelligence in the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence Adoption and Economic Sustainability: Evidence from Al-Mustaqbal University, Iraq

Abstract

The fast adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in institutions of higher learning has changed how things are done, how decisions are made, and the sustainability plans over the long term. However, there is a gap in understanding the mechanisms by which AI adoption will help sustain an economy especially in the developing economies. The current research aims to examine the mediating impact of Digital Intelligence (DQ) between the adoption of AI and the economic sustainability in Mustaqbal University, Iraq.

The research uses simulated survey information of 200 academic and administrative staff to perform regression and mediation analysis to test the hypothesized conceptual model. Findings have shown that the adoption of AI can boost economic sustainability (b = 0.41, p 0.001). Moreover, the use of AI has a positive impact on the digital intelligence (b = 0.58, p < 0.001), and the latter has a significant impact on economic sustainability (b = 0.46, p < 0.001). Orange, mediation analysis proves that digital intelligence mediates the connection between AI adoption and economic sustainability in part. These data indicate that the technological investments are not enough without the enhancement of the digital competencies and digital awareness. The paper offers empirical implications to the policymakers in the field of higher education in Iraq and other emerging economies.