ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND INEQUALITY IN THE STARTUP ECONOMY: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR DIGITAL STRATIFICATION
Владимир Меньшиков, Oksana Ruza, Jelena Semeneca · Baltic Journal of Economic Studies · 29 May 2026
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- Will AI widen inequality? · its finding supports the claim (why studies differ)
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A conceptual and statistical analysis of digital inequality in the startup ecosystems of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia from 2019 to 2024. It finds innovation resources are highly concentrated, with Estonia far ahead on venture capital per capita and startup density.
Abstract
This article provides a conceptual analysis of the relationship between the rapid diffusion of artificial intelligence technologies and the emergence of new forms of digital inequality within the startup economy. Against the backdrop of digital transformation, characterised by the rise of platform capitalism, algorithmic governance and the phenomenon of 'artificial sociality', there is an increasing demand for updated theoretical frameworks that can explain structural changes in communication systems and access to economic resources. This study aims to develop such a framework for digital stratification in startup ecosystems, focusing on the interplay between venture capital, technological innovation, and social structures. In addition to conceptual modelling, the research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative statistical analysis with interpretative theoretical synthesis. The empirical basis draws on data from the Baltic countries (Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia) from 2019 to 2024, including indicators of venture capital investment, startup density and gender distribution among founders. Correlation and regression analyses are used to identify structural dependencies between investment intensity and ecosystem development, and comparative analyses are employed to evaluate cross-country disparities. This methodology combines Niklas Luhmann’s systems theory, Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of capital, and approaches to political economy, platform capitalism (Nick Srnicek) and surveillance capitalism (Shoshana Zuboff). This allows for a multi-layered interpretation of digital inequality that goes beyond purely economic indicators. The results reveal a pronounced concentration of innovation resources. Estonia leads in terms of both venture capital investment per capita (1,100 EUR compared to 153 EUR in Lithuania and 56 EUR in Latvia) and startup density per 100,000 people (82 versus 38 and 24, respectively). A strong relationship has been confirmed between ve
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- 2026 (5 months ago)
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