Artificial Intelligence and Globalized Division of Labor: Research Progress and Future Prospects

Abstract

The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology is profoundly refactoring the Global Industrial Layout and Labor Force Structure and promoting the transformation of the International Division of Labor System from Cost-oriented to Technology-driven. This paper systematically studies the Impact Mechanism of artificial intelligence on the Globalized Division of Labor and reveals the Structural Transformation under Technology Substitution and Data Elements Dual-wheel Drive through Literature Review and Theoretical Analysis. The study finds that AI triggers Industrial Chain Regional Clustering by reducing the Technological Marginal Cost, developed countries strengthen Governance Hegemony through Technical Standards and Data Sovereignty, while developing countries face Technology Embargo, Rule Bundling and Capital Concentration Triple Barriers. Empirical evidence shows that every 1 percentage Industrial Robot Density elevation leads to a 0.8 percentage point decrease in the Manufacturing Global Value Chain Participation Rate, and the reduction of the AI Model Performance Gap between China and the United States to single digits highlights the new trend of Technology Competition. The research proposes that China needs to optimize its Global Division of Labor Position through Foundational Innovation Breakthrough and Governance Rule Construction, providing a Differentiated Path reference for Emerging Economies to cope with Technological Nationalism. This achievement has dual significance for improving the Globalized Division of Labor Theoretical Framework and Policy Design.