Enhancing or Hindering Innovation? Exploring the Role of AI Tools in Individual Innovation Capability

Abstract

This study investigates how artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative tools, influences individual creativity and innovation capabilities. Drawing on a literature review and survey data from 100 participants across diverse fields, findings reveal that AI enhances productivity, supports structured idea generation, and increases confidence in creative tasks. At the same time, overreliance on AI can reduce originality, homogenize ideas, and weaken independent problem-solving. Effective AI use requires mindful engagement, mentoring, and strategies such as varied prompting or combining human-generated and AI-assisted ideas. The study highlights the dual role of AI as a facilitator and potential constraint on human creativity, emphasizing context and disciplined integration.