International investment in artificial intelligence: investment asymmetry and risks of technological dependence in EU countries

Abstract

The article examines the characteristics of international investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the economic development of European Union (EU) countries in the context of intensifying global competition. It is established that investment activity in AI is highly concentrated, leading to structural asymmetries between leading technological hubs and other regions.

Problem statement. Global competition in AI has evolved into a form of technological rivalry in which the scale of investment determines not only the market positions of individual firms but also the strategic autonomy of entire regions. The relevance of the study is driven by the growing investment asymmetry between the United States and the EU: in 2024, private AI investments in the U.S. exceeded those in the EU by 15 - 20 times, while the EU’s share in global AI investment continues to decline.

Unresolved issues. Despite a substantial body of research on the AI economy, the interrelation between the nature of international investments, specific channels of technology transfer, and the formation of long-term technological dependence in the EU remains insufficiently explored.

Purpose. The aim of the article is to provide a comprehensive analysis of investment asymmetry in AI, assess the mechanisms of technology transfer and their impact on the EU’s technological dependence, and substantiate strategic directions for enhancing regional competitiveness.

Main results. The study systematizes the key channels through which AI technologies are transferred by U.S. multinational corporations to the EU. While these channels generate tangible benefits for the European economy, they simultaneously reinforce dependence on external technological solutions. The EU’s regulatory framework is shown to produce a dual effect: it protects markets and consumers, yet increases compliance burdens, particularly for startups, whereas large corporations possess sufficient resources to adapt. Considerable attention is also given to the ESG dimension of AI investments.

Conclusions. AI investments are increasingly concentrated in a limited number of global technological centers, thereby intensifying asymmetries in global technological development. The EU faces a strategic choice between remaining a consumer of technologies or becoming their producer. Key priorities include the development of domestic AI infrastructure, support for innovative enterprises, retention of human capital, and improvement of investment transparency mechanisms. The findings can inform the design of EU economic and innovation policies.