Unveiling the role of artificial intelligence in sustainable innovation: governance dynamics, dilemmas, and emerging insights

Purpose This paper aims to examine how artificial intelligence contributes to green innovation, addressing conflicting evidence about its benefits and risks. It highlights the organizational and governance conditions that shape the effectiveness of artificial intelligence in supporting sustainable innovation. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis are used. The review organizes prior studies into three domains: robotics and automation, data handling and general artificial intelligence applications, while considering both supportive and critical perspectives. Bibliometric mapping identifies intellectual structures, thematic clusters, collaboration patterns and research gaps. A comprehensive artificial intelligence keyword framework ensures broad coverage and minimizes omissions. Findings The results indicate that artificial intelligence’s impact on green innovation depends strongly on organizational and contextual factors, including governance structures. Robotics and automation, data handling and general artificial intelligence applications each contribute differently to sustainability outcomes. The bibliometric analysis highlights central research networks, dominant themes and empirical gaps, providing a clear view of the field’s intellectual foundations. Practical implications Organizations can use these insights to strategically adopt artificial intelligence in ways that enhance environmental performance while mitigating governance and implementation risks. Originality/value This study integrates systematic literature review and bibliometric approaches to synthesize a fragmented literature, distinguishing between positive and critical perspectives on artificial intelligence in sustainability. It advances theoretical debates on artificial intelligence and green innovation and offers practical guidance for managers and policymakers aiming to leverage artificial intelligence for responsible value creation.