Artificial Intelligence Empowering the Low-Altitude 
Economy: Efficiency Enhancement or Governance Challenges?

Quan Du; Huilin Li*

doi:10.70711/memf.v3i2.8832

Artificial Intelligence Empowering the Low-Altitude Economy: Efficiency Enhancement or Governance Challenges?

Quan Du, Huilin Li*

Abstract

As an emerging engine of new quality productive forces, the low-altitude economy is undergoing a profound transformation driven
by artificial intelligence (AI). While AI-enabled technologies significantly enhance airspace utilization, operational efficiency, and public service provision, they also introduce new governance challenges related to safety, regulation, and structural imbalance. Drawing on technological
empowerment theory and collaborative governance theory, this research develops an integrated analytical framework to examine the dual effects of AI empowerment in the low-altitude economy.
??Specifically, the paper evaluates efficiency-enhancing mechanisms across three dimensionsairspace management, industrial operations, and service provisionand systematically analyzes governance challenges arising from safety risks, regulatory adaptation, and
uneven development. By synthesizing existing literature and policy practices, this research proposes a balanced development pathway integrating technological innovation, institutional adaptation, and collaborative governance. The findings contribute to the literature by bridging efficiency-oriented and governance-oriented perspectives, offering policy-relevant insights for managing AI-driven transformation in
emerging economic systems.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence; Low-altitude Economy; Efficiency Enhancement; Governance Challenges; Collaborative Governance

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References

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.70711/memf.v3i2.8832

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