How Artificial Intelligence Technology Network Structural Characteristics Affect Enterprise Value Co‐Creation: A Study Based on the Threshold Effect of Innovation Openness

ABSTRACT

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology networks has opened up new avenues for businesses to establish technological connections and achieve value co‐creation. This study analyzes 2817 listed enterprises in China's strategic emerging industries from 2015 to 2023. Using fixed‐effects and threshold models, this study empirically examines how AI technology network structural characteristics influence enterprise value co‐creation and further identifies the threshold effects of innovation openness. The findings show that: (1) Artificial intelligence technology network centrality has a positive effect on enterprise value co‐creation, whereas the network clustering coefficient has a negative effect. (2) Innovation openness breadth and depth exhibit a single‐threshold effect in the relationship between centrality and value co‐creation; beyond their respective thresholds, the positive effect of centrality increases significantly. (3) Innovation openness breadth and depth exhibit a dual‐threshold effect in the relationship between the clustering coefficient and value co‐creation. As innovation openness increases, this relationship shifts from inhibitory to promotive, forming a U‐shaped pattern. This study expands the research on the relationship between artificial intelligence technology network structures and enterprise value co‐creation by revealing the dynamic interplay between network attributes and enterprise value‐co‐creation activities. It provides theoretical foundations and practical implications for enterprises aiming to optimize artificial intelligence technology deployment and improve innovation performance.