GNH and Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development

Abstract

The objective of this research is application of Gross National Happiness (GNH) framework, grounded in the principles of Buddhist economics, in the Eastern European sustainable development context, specifically in Slovakia. This studies aim is to investigate the possibility of applying GNH framework in Slovakian environment. The research is an experimental study about the evaluation of the happiness index of Slovakian employees and employers of SMEs in Slovakia, in Rožňava region. The sustainable development in the region is lowest in the country, its' characterized by high unemployment rate, tendency of emigration, low standard of living, and inadequate healthcare services. Data were collected through two quantitative questionnaires, adapted and supplemented versions of the original Bhutanese questionnaire. The sample comprised 315 employees and 50 organizations in Slovakia. A distinctive aspect of this survey is its consideration of the implications of artificial intelligence and technological advancements. The study investigates the ways in which artificial intelligence influences human well-being and perceptions of trust. The findings reveal a critically low happiness index in the Rožňava region, indicating a need for intervention. This study would like to be contribution to the existing and further research of sustainability, about possibility to apply GNH framework in European culture in context of social, ecological and economical sustainable development.