ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS A CATALYST FOR INVESTMENT GROWTH IN RURAL REGIONS

Abstract

This paper explores the ways in which artificial intelligence (AI) can contribute to attracting and optimizing investment activities in local communities by enhancing information accessibility, risk assessment, resource management, and digital support for entrepreneurs. Significant attention is placed on the function of AI in the advancement of digital platforms for investment advisory services, automated assessment of company strategies, and predictive market analytics. Through empirical research conducted in Serbia, the paper presents the effects of introducing AI into local development processes and identifies key challenges related to trust, infrastructure, and digital literacy. The results show that AI can greatly help encourage sustainable and targeted investments in rural areas, as long as it is used responsibly and supported by the right institutions.