PBESProceedings of Business and Economic Studies2209-26412209-265XBio-Byword Scientific Publishing Pty. Ltd.10.26689/PBES.v9i9.15610ArticleAIGC-Empowered Youth Entrepreneurship in Dongguan: Mechanisms and Development Pathwayshttps://artdesignp.com/journal/PBES/9/9/10.26689/PBES.v9i9.15610HouTao,QianJiahui2026992026-09-30Artificial Intelligence-Generated Content (AIGC) is changing how young people develop ideas, create content, and operate start-ups. This study examines its role in youth entrepreneurship in Dongguan using 260 valid questionnaires and a local entrepreneurial case. The results show high awareness of AIGC among respondents, but limited use in actual entrepreneurial activities. AIGC mainly supports entrepreneurship by reducing resource costs, identifying business opportunities, and improving operational efficiency. Its application is constrained by limited digital skills, tool costs, copyright risks, insufficient practical training, and weak incubation support. Based on the survey and case findings, this study proposes development pathways involving young entrepreneurs, universities, industrial parks, and local industries. The findings offer evidence on how AIGC can be integrated with youth entrepreneurship in a manufacturing-oriented city.AIGC, Youth entrepreneurship, Technology empowerment, Dongguan

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