GOVERNING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SUSTAINABLE TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Abstract

This paper examines AI governance as a strategic institutional force shaping sustainable territorial development. Using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) following the PRISMA protocol, we searched Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect for peer-reviewed English-language publications from 2018 to 2024. After identification (n = 1,847), duplicate removal (n = 423), title/abstract screening (n = 1,424 screened; n = 987 excluded), and full-text eligibility assessment (n = 437 assessed; n = 310 excluded), a final corpus of 127 articles was retained. The results reveal that effective AI governance—anchored in multi-level institutional coordination, responsible algorithmic deployment, equitable data infrastructure, and participatory mechanisms—can advance sustainable territorial outcomes while reducing socio-spatial inequalities. However, significant territorial disparities in governance capacity and AI preparedness persist. The paper contributes theoretically by elucidating the relationships between AI governance mechanisms, responsible AI practices, and territorial sustainability outcomes; methodologically by operationalising a transparent and reproducible PRISMA protocol; and practically by proposing a testable conceptual framework and actionable policy recommendations for regional authorities and urban planners.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence governance; sustainable territorial development; responsible AI; multi-level gover; digital transformation; territorial innovation; data governance