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The Influence of AI Competency and Soft Skills on Innovative University Competency: An Integrated SEM–Artificial Neural Network (SEM–ANN) Model

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study addresses the growing necessity to understand how artificial intelligence (AI) competency and soft skills jointly influence organizational innovation and performance in the era of digital transformation. Despite the rapid adoption of AI technologies across industries, organizations continue to face significant challenges in effectively integrating technical AI capabilities with essential human-centric soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and leadership. This gap often limits the realization of AI-driven value and sustainable competitive advantage. The primary challenge in this research area is the lack of comprehensive models that simultaneously examine AI competency and soft skills within a unified framework, particularly in emerging economies where digital maturity varies widely. Existing studies tend to focus either on technical competencies or behavioral factors in isolation, leading to fragmented insights. To address these challenges, this study proposes a novel integrated research model that examines the combined effects of AI competency and soft skills on innovation outcomes and organizational performance. The model is empirically validated using structural equation modeling (SEM), providing robust evidence of the interrelationships among key constructs. The findings reveal that both AI competency and soft skills significantly contribute to innovation capability, which in turn enhances organizational performance. The study offers important theoretical and practical implications by bridging the gap between technical and human dimensions of AI adoption, thereby providing a more holistic understanding of digital transformation success.

Source: Data

DOI: 10.3390/data11050095

Authors: Kittipol Wisaeng, Thongchai Kaewkiriya

Institutions: Mahasarakham University, Shinawatra University

Language: English

Topic: AI and HR Technologies

Subfield: Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930