The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Digital Governance and Political Development in Iran

Abstract

In this study, with the aim of explaining the determinants of “artificial intelligence readiness” at the level of digital governance, the relationships among digital development, cybersecurity, economic and infrastructural indicators, and the capacity for the adoption and utilization of artificial intelligence were examined. To this end, data related to the Artificial Intelligence Capacity Index, the E-Government Development Index, the Cybersecurity Index, gross domestic product per capita, internet penetration, and research and development expenditure were collected and analyzed. Correlation analysis indicated the existence of positive and statistically significant relationships between artificial intelligence capacity and the components of digital development, cybersecurity, economic conditions, and scientific investment. Subsequently, a multiple linear regression model was employed to explain the predictive power of these variables. The results demonstrated that the E-Government Development Index is the strongest determinant of artificial intelligence readiness, such that each unit increase in this index substantially enhances the readiness score. Internet penetration, cybersecurity, and economic development also make significant contributions to explaining this index, while research and development expenditure plays a complementary and statistically significant role. An R² value of 0.99 indicates that approximately 99 percent of the variation in artificial intelligence readiness is explained by the model, reflecting the high coherence and critical importance of digital and technological variables in shaping artificial intelligence governance capacity. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity, expanding internet access, and supporting research and innovation are among the most important pathways for improving countries’ readiness to respond to the rapid transformations of the artificial intelligence ecosystem.