The dynamic nature of our planet, characterized by increasingly frequent global economic volatility and external shocks, underscores the critical need for robust marine industries. Within this context, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) emerges not merely as a technological advancement, but as a foundational element for building and sustaining marine firm resilience. Our examination of panel data from China's A-share listed marine firms between 2012 and 2023 provides empirical evidence of AI's significant positive impact. This research systematically dissects how AI empowers these firms, revealing a clear correlation between AI adoption and enhanced resilience, a conclusion that stands firm even after rigorous statistical scrutiny and the application of advanced econometric techniques to address potential endogeneity.
The pathways through which AI fosters this resilience are multifaceted and deeply rooted in operational efficiency and strategic positioning. Our analysis demonstrates that AI effectively reduces internal transaction costs by streamlining processes and improving information flow. Simultaneously, it enhances asset operational efficiency, ensuring that valuable resources are utilized more effectively and with greater precision. Furthermore, AI plays a crucial role in promoting the diversification of international market layouts, enabling marine firms to navigate global uncertainties with greater agility and foresight. These findings are not abstract; they represent tangible improvements in how marine enterprises can operate and adapt in a complex world.
The empowering effect of AI is not uniformly distributed, however, and our heterogeneity analysis highlights key areas where its impact is particularly pronounced. Large-scale marine firms, those with executive teams possessing digital expertise, and enterprises operating within traditional marine industries stand to gain the most from AI integration. This suggests a strategic imperative to tailor AI implementation and support to the specific attributes and needs of different segments within the marine sector. Consequently, our recommendation is to proactively advance the "AI + Marine" initiative, focusing on tangible outcomes like cost reduction, efficiency enhancement, and accelerated turnover of heavy assets. Crucially, this initiative must be complemented by differentiated and targeted digital support strategies that acknowledge and leverage the varying scales and industry characteristics of marine firms, thereby solidifying the micro-foundation for the high-quality development of the entire marine economy.
