Generative AI, Digital Infrastructure, and Firm Productivity: A Task-to-Firm Conversion Framework for Chinese Firms
Jinliang Mai · Advances in Economics Management and Political Sciences · 15 Jun 2026
Where this sits in the debate
- Will AI actually boost productivity and growth? · its finding: it depends (why studies differ)
Direction of the finding as read from the abstract by an AI model (AI-written).
Key takeaway AI-written
A literature synthesis proposing a 'task-to-firm conversion' framework to explain why generative AI produces measurable productivity gains in some settings (writing, customer support, software development) but uneven effects elsewhere, arguing the payoff depends on model capability, task fit, and complementary assets like cloud infrastructure and data readiness. It applies this lens specifically to the digital-economy conditions Chinese firms would need for GenAI to pay off at the firm level.
Abstract
This paper reviews current published research on how generative artificial intelligence affects firm productivity. Rather than conducting new firm-level data analysis, it synthesizes evidence from artificial intelligence research, task-level productivity experiments, general-purpose technology theory, digital economics, and China-focused digital transformation studies. The central question is why GenAI produces measurable productivity gains in some work settings but uneven or limited firm-level effects in others. The review develops a task-to-firm conversion framework, arguing that GenAI should not be treated as a standalone productivity shock. Its economic value depends on the interaction between model capability, task fit, human-AI calibration, organizational complementary assets, and regional digital infrastructure. Existing studies show that GenAI can improve writing, customer support, consulting, and software-development tasks, but they also reveal risks of overreliance, misalignment, and uneven performance. For Chinese firms, the review suggests that productivity gains are most likely when GenAI adoption is supported by cloud infrastructure, data readiness, skilled labor, workflow redesign, and strong digital ecosystems.
About this publication
Academic journal. Published in an academic journal — typically peer-reviewed before publication, though indexing alone doesn't guarantee review depth.
- Published
- 2026 (4 months ago)
- Citations
- 0 (OpenAlex)
0 citations recorded by OpenAlex — too few 2026 papers in this collection for a fair comparison.
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