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Artificial intelligence and international business: Theoretical challenges, strategic implications, and research agenda

Peter J. Buckley et al.

Journal of World Business2026https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwb.2025.101710article
AJG 4ABDC A*
Weight
0.37

Abstract

This perspective article explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the theoretical foundations and strategic dynamics of international business (IB). We distinguish between predictive AI, generative AI, and agentic AI, examining how each transforms the behavior of multinational enterprises (MNEs). Moving beyond viewing AI as merely transactional or infrastructural technology, we conceptualize it as a cognitive substrate that transforms how MNEs learn, innovate, develop resources and capabilities, and make decisions across borders. By augmenting and partially substituting managerial cognition, AI reconfigures firm-specific and location-specific advantages, while challenging core assumptions of established IB frameworks and altering the governance of cross-border activities. AI also transforms global value chains through enhanced coordination, resilience, and transparency, yet it simultaneously introduces new risks related to algorithmic bias, sustainability, and dependency on digital infrastructures. The paper discusses the implications of AI adoption for MNEs and argues that existing IB theories may need to be complemented by new perspectives to account for AI disruption. The paper concludes by proposing a research agenda that integrates theoretical, strategic, institutional, and methodological insights for understanding AI’s transformative impact on IB.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwb.2025.101710

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@article{peter2026,
  title        = {{Artificial intelligence and international business: Theoretical challenges, strategic implications, and research agenda}},
  author       = {Peter J. Buckley et al.},
  journal      = {Journal of World Business},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwb.2025.101710},
}

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Artificial intelligence and international business: Theoretical challenges, strategic implications, and research agenda

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Evidence weight

0.37

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.16 × 0.4 = 0.06
M · momentum0.53 × 0.15 = 0.08
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.