Artificial intelligence chatbots can be used to conduct research effectively and efficiently in the fifth industrial revolution. Artificial intelligence chatbots are software applications that utilize artificial intelligence technologies to assist researchers in various aspects of the research process. These chatbots are specifically designed to understand researchers’ inquiries, provide relevant information, and perform tasks related to data collection, analysis, literature review, collaboration, and more. The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of artificial intelligence chatbots for conducting research in the fifth industrial revolution. This qualitative study adopts content analysis as its research methodology, which is grounded in literature review incorporating insights from the researchers’ experiences with utilizing artificial intelligence. The findings reveal that researchers can use artificial intelligence chatbots to produce quality research. Researchers are exposed to various types of artificial intelligence chatbots that can be used to conduct research. Examples are information chatbots, question and answer chatbots, survey chatbots, conversational agents, peer review chatbots, personalised learning chatbots and language translation chatbots. Artificial intelligence chatbots can be used to perform functions such as literature review, data collection, writing assistance and peer review assistance. However, artificial intelligence chatbots can be biased, lack data privacy and security, limited in creativity and critical thinking. Researchers must be transparent and take in consideration issues of informed content and data privacy and security when using artificial intelligence chatbots. The study recommends a framework on artificial intelligence chatbots researchers can use to conduct research in the fifth industrial revolution.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Indonesia’s defense industry policy from 2018 to 2023, focusing on PT Pindad, a pivotal state-owned defense enterprise. Using a Balanced Scorecard (BSC) framework, the study assesses PT Pindad’s performance across financial, customer, internal process, and learning and growth perspectives. The findings reveal strengths in financial stability (Current Ratio at 115.57% in 2023) and customer satisfaction, but challenges in Return on Investment (ROI), which fell from 6% in 2022 to 5.46% in 2023, signaling a need for further internal improvements. A mediation analysis using Shape-Restricted Regression indicates that Research and Development (R&D) serves as a crucial mediator, enhancing the impact of strategic alliances and technology transfer on PT Pindad’s self-reliance, with R&D showing a positive coefficient of β = 0.53 (p < 0.01). The systematic literature review complements these findings, underscoring the role of technology transfer, human capital development, and strategic partnerships as essential components for strengthening PT Pindad’s self-reliance and global competitiveness. Recommendations are made to enhance policy effectiveness by fostering robust technology transfer mechanisms, increasing investment in human capital, and expanding strategic partnerships. This research contributes to the literature on defense industry policies by providing a comprehensive evaluation framework that informs future policy decisions.