AI adoption intensity and sustainable competitiveness in Chinese manufacturing firms: the roles of information visibility and operational resilience

Purpose Although Chinese manufacturing firms are increasing investments in artificial intelligence (AI), evidence remains limited on how the intensity of AI use creates sustainable competitiveness. Drawing on the resource-based view and dynamic capabilities theory, this study examines the direct and indirect effects of AI adoption intensity on sustainable competitiveness through information visibility and operational resilience and evaluates the contingent role of AI-informed decision capability. Design/methodology/approach Survey data from 423 managers and operational employees in Chinese manufacturing firms were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling with 5,000 bootstrap resamples and necessary condition analysis. Findings AI adoption intensity positively affects information visibility, operational resilience, and sustainable competitiveness. Information visibility enhances resilience and competitiveness, and resilience improves competitiveness. Information visibility mediates the effects of AI adoption intensity on resilience and competitiveness, while resilience mediates the effect if AI adoption intensity on competitiveness. AI-informed decision capability strengthens only the relationship between AI adoption intensity and sustainable competitiveness. Practical implications Managers should embed AI across core processes while strengthening information-sharing routines, resilience practices, and managers' ability to interpret AI outputs. Originality/value The study conceptualizes AI adoption intensity as a strategic resource and identifies information visibility and operational resilience as the capability pathways through which AI-enabled manufacturing firms build sustainable competitiveness.