The Mechanisms of AI-Empowered Research Innovation and the Restructuring of Research Subjectivity

Abstract

Artificial intelligence provides new technological support for research innovation by enhancing information processing efficiency, expanding the boundaries of research methods, and facilitating interdisciplinary integration. However, such technological empowerment also gives rise to challenges, including the erosion of research subjectivity, risks to knowledge reliability, and ambiguities in ethical responsibility. From the perspective of research subjectivity, this study analyzes the mechanisms through which generative AI empowers research innovation, examines the dilemmas arising from its application, and explores pathways toward human–AI collaboration. The findings suggest that the value of AI lies not in replacing the research subject but in augmenting human cognitive capacity. Future research innovation should uphold the primacy of the human subject with technology serving as support, achieving a synergy between technological capability and human creative intellect.