IMF’s top 10 most prepared nations for AI is dominated by Europeans.

The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) latest AI Preparedness Index reveals that Singapore is the global leader in readiness for artificial intelligence, with northwestern European nations dominating the top rankings.

The IMF’s index, which evaluates 174 countries, integrates data from leading institutions like the International Labor Organization, World Bank, and World Economic Forum. The rankings are visually represented on a map (see below), with shading denoting the relative positions of all included nations.

More to read:
In 1850, Britain was the top carbon emitter, now it’s China

Singapore claims the top spot thanks to its substantial investments in AI capabilities and robust national AI strategies. Singaporean workers are the fastest globally in adopting AI skills. Furthermore, the government has implemented general-purpose AI tools for public service, maintaining rigorous security standards.

The top 10 features the United States on the third position and New Zealand on the eighth place while the rest are northwestern European nations - Denmark (#2), Netherlands (#4), Estonia (#5), Finland (#6), Switzerland (#7), Germany (#9), and Sweden (#10).

The next ten most prepared countries are Luxembourg, Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, Israel, Austria, Canada, Norway, and Hong Kong.

France is on the 22nd place and Taiwan on the 25th.

China, currently the world’s largest economy, is on the 31st spot. The worst performing AI adopters are the Central African Republic, Afghanistan, and the Republic of South Sudan, with African nations being generally the least prepared for AI.

More to read:
In 2023, Australia was most secure country for investors, Belarus the least

The IMF’s AI Preparedness Index is based on four key metrics: Digital infrastructure; Human capital; Technological innovation; and Legal frameworks. Each metric comprises sub-indicators, such as investment in STEM expertise, a strong R&D ecosystem, and adaptable legal frameworks tailored to digital transformation.

In a separate report, McKinsey - an American multinational strategy and management consulting firm that offers professional services to corporations, governments, and other organizations - highlights nine “digital front-runners” as well-prepared for AI adoption, citing their advanced digital infrastructure, skilled workforces, and supportive policy frameworks. 

More to read:
In 2075, China and India will be the world’s largest economies

McKinsey names Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden as leaders in AI infrastructure and policy environment, citing their potential to become Europe’s AI locus, drive adoption and help Europe maximize the technology’s impact.

The IMF estimates that while AI is poised to revolutionize the global economy, reshaping labor markets, digital infrastructure, and supply chains, nearly 40% of global employment is exposed to AI-driven automation, with certain industries more vulnerable than others.

***
NewsCafe is an independent outlet that cares about big issues.Our sources of income amount to ads and donations from readers. You can support us via PayPal: office[at]rudeana.com or paypal.me/newscafeeu. We promise to reward this gesture with more captivating and important topics.