AI Investment and Cultural Design Innovation: A Conceptual Framework for the Future of Batik in the Digital Economy

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming creative industries worldwide, yet limited attention has been given to how AI investment can support cultural design innovation in heritage-based industries such as batik. This gap highlights the need for a comprehensive framework that explains the role of AI in enhancing both cultural and economic value within the digital economy. Therefore, this study aims to develop a conceptual framework that examines the relationships between AI investment, AI design capability, human–AI co-creation, and cultural design innovation in the batik industry. Employing a conceptual research design, the study synthesises contemporary literature on AI, innovation management, cultural heritage, and creative industries through a structured literature review and theory integration approach. The findings propose that AI investment strengthens design capabilities and collaborative innovation processes, leading to cultural and economic value creation. The study contributes theoretically by integrating Resource-Based View, Dynamic Capabilities, and Cultural Capital Theory, while offering practical insights for policymakers and industry practitioners seeking to sustain batik innovation in the digital economy.

Artificial intelligence investment, cultural design innovation, batik, digital economy, human–AI co-creation

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