Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development:  Policy Approaches from Visegrad Group Countries

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and risks for sustainable development.AI has the potential to transform industries, enhance resource efficiency, and tackle environmental challenges.However, it also poses significant risks, such as higher energy consumption and growing socio-economic inequality through job displacement.Without proper regulation, AI may further contribute to environmental degradation and social disparities.This paper employs a qualitative comparative policy analysis approach to examine AI strategies in Visegrad Group countries, focusing on environmental sustainability and labour market protections.The findings reveal that the Czech Republic leads with a comprehensive strategy, integrating measurable ecological targets and clearly defined responsibilities for implementing these objectives across relevant government bodies.Slovakia, by contrast, is the only country in the Visegrad Group without a dedicated AI strategy, relying instead on a broader digitalization framework that fails to address the specific challenges and opportunities associated with AI.Poland and Hungary demonstrate notable strengths, such as promoting energy-efficient AI technologies and implementing detailed reskilling programs; however, their goals remain overly general and vague, lacking clear specificity.It is unclear who holds responsibility for achieving these objectives or how their implementation will be monitored.By identifying key policy interventions, this study offers insights into aligning AI development with sustainability objectives to foster a more equitable and environmentally responsible future.