Artificial intelligence in science – Promises or perils for creativity?

The paper explores the impact of AI on scientific creativity, examining its use across 80 fields from 2000 to 2022. AI adoption has surged in nearly all areas since the early 2010s, although striking regional differences emerge. In recent years, China has taken the lead in AI-driven research, outpacing both the US and the EU, not just in sheer output, but also in terms of scientific novelty and impact. 

The study concludes that AI generally enhances scientific creativity, measured by novelty and impact, though the effects vary by field. Most fields benefit from AI applications, although great heterogeneity is observed with some fields seeing little to no improvement, and a few experiencing negative impacts. The influence of AI is moderated by the structural organisation of knowledge within fields, with greater potential in "rough" knowledge spaces where ideas are fragmented. These findings contribute to discussions on AI's role in science and are relevant to policy initiatives promoting AI-driven research.

Authors: Stefano BIANCHINI, Valentina DI GIROLAMO, Julien RAVET, David ARRANZ