Abstract: Artificial intelligence technology, as an important driving force for the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, is a key engine for promoting industrial upgrading and high-quality economic development. The establishment of the National New Generation Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Development Pilot Zone provides an important platform for the institutionalized promotion and application of artificial intelligence technology. However, research on how this policy affects the market performance of enterprise products is relatively limited. Based on the establishment of artificial intelligence experimental zones as a natural experiment, this paper uses a multi-stage double difference method to analyze the impact and mechanism of the policies on the competitive advantage of enterprise product markets. Research has found that the establishment of experimental zones significantly enhances the competitive advantage of enterprises in the product market, and this effect is mainly achieved through improving their innovation capabilities and optimizing their human capital structure. Specifically, policies help companies accumulate artificial intelligence patent technology and attract high skilled workers, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in the product market. In addition, policy effects exhibit heterogeneity across different industries and regions: the promotion effect is more significant for highly competitive industries, traditional industries, and regions with better business environments. Based on the above research conclusions, the government can further improve the policy support system, focus on enhancing enterprise innovation capabilities and optimizing human capital, in order to promote the sustained enhancement of enterprise product market competitiveness.

Key words: National New Generation of AI Innovation and Development Pilot Zone, product market competitive advantage, firm innovation, human capital