Abstract:     Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology serves as a pivotal driver for technological revolutions and industrial transformations. Nevertheless, technological misalignment can ensnare companies in an AI technology trap, thereby stalling their progress. This study, grounded in AI application scenarios within lighthouse factories and utilizing multi-stage cross-sectional data, empirically examined the origins and governance logic of the AI technology trap. The AI technology trap originates from the discord between AI technology and employees′ cognition and capabilities, a consequence of the unrestrained expansion of AI technology. While AI digital orientation positively influences digital innovation, it simultaneously fosters an employee AI awareness that can suppress corporate digital innovation. Employee digital capabilities exert a negative moderating effect on the relationship between corporate digital orientation and employee AI awareness. By constructing a governance logic that synergizes technology, cognition and capabilities, it is beneficial to alleviate the cognitive resistance and capability bottlenecks among employees caused by technological misalignment. This approach has provided theoretical support and practical references for building an AI innovation ecosystem.

Key words:  AI technology trap, digital-orientation, employees′ AI awareness, digital innovation, technical governance