Bridging the Digital–Energy Divide: Artificial Intelligence, Internet Connectivity, and Knowledge Management

Achieving sustainable growth in emerging economies requires more than expanding clean energy; it also relies on the synergistic role of Artificial Intelligence, Internet Connectivity, and Knowledge Management in narrowing the digital–energy divide. Thus, this study examines the factors influencing the energy transition—both implicit and explicit—using the case of the BRICS economies with data spanning from 2000 to 2022. This study employed Driscoll–Kraay (DK) standard errors together with Lewbel IV-2SLS estimators to examine the connections. The results showed that Artificial Intelligence and economic growth hinder energy transition, while financial development and trade openness promote it. Furthermore, Knowledge Management and Internet Connectivity show threshold effects, and education remains negatively aligned with sustainability goals. Based on these findings policies are proposed.