The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technologies has propelled cognitive intelligence (CI) into becoming a pivotal force reshaping production modes, dissemination mechanisms, and business models within the cultural industry. Grounded in the theoretical framework of cognitive intelligence, this study employs multidimensional empirical analysis to demonstrate that while significant progress has been achieved in applications spanning cultural content generation, personalized dissemination, immersive experiences, and global cultural outreach, three-dimensional challenges persist across the technological, ethical, and institutional domains. These include: (1) the misalignment between algorithmic capabilities and the essence of humanistic creation, resulting in deficient emotional expression, (2) ambiguities in rights attribution triggering copyright disputes, and (3) existing regulatory frameworks lagging behind digital cultural production paradigms. To address these constraints, this research innovatively proposes a tripartite synergistic optimization pathway encompassing cognitive, cultural, and technological dimensions. By expanding cognitive paradigms, enhancing technology-enabled empowerment, ensuring institutional adaptability, and deepening stakeholder collaboration, this approach ultimately facilitates the cultural industry’s paradigm shift from efficiency-driven enhancement to humanistic value-led high-quality development. The study further emphasizes that advancing the intelligent transformation of the cultural industry necessitates strengthening technology-driven innovation, refining institutional support mechanisms, and constructing a collaborative and mutually beneficial ecosystem to realize the deep integration and sustainable innovation of cultural technologies.