Cultural Distance between Belt and Road Countries and China and the Development of Artificial Intelligence: Based on the Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression Model

This study examines the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on cultural distance between China and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries. To address spatiotemporal nonstationary, this study employs the Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model. An empirical analysis was conducted using Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and data on AI patent applications in cultural industries. This analysis revealed significant geographic clustering in cultural distance between China and BRI countries. The findings indicate that AI significantly reduces cultural distance among BRI countries. However, it may exacerbate cultural distance in certain non-BRI countries, especially in Africa. Economic and educational inequalities pose potential risks of cultural divergence. However, these disparities can be mitigated through measures such as industrial restructuring. By introducing the GTWR model, this study provides a novel perspective on the dynamic effects of AI on cultural distance in the context of the BRI. It highlights the intricate mechanisms of the interaction between technology and culture and the influence of spatial heterogeneity on cultural distance dynamics. This research contributes a timely and fine-grained analytical perspective to the study of transnational cultural distance.