The United States continues to lead the world in artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, according to the latest Artificial Intelligence Index report from the Institute for Human Centered Artificial Intelligence at Stanford University.
The report assesses the “vibrancy” of the AI industry across various dimensions, including research activity, investment levels and the application of responsible AI practices.
“The gap is actually widening” between the U.S. and China, said computer scientist Ray Perrault, director of the steering committee that oversees the Stanford AI Index.
Stanford’s findings show that China has eclipsed in key areas such as research output and private investment.
“The U.S. is investing a lot more, at least at the start-up and financing level.”
The United States has maintained its top position since 2018, boosted by significant private investment in artificial intelligence, which reached $67.2 billion last year, far surpassing China’s $7.8 billion.
The US also leads the way in publishing research on responsible AI development. Home to major AI companies such as Google, Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic, the United States has created a number of influential AI models that are shaping the development and applications of the technology.
It says: “China’s focus on developing cutting-edge AI technologies and increasing its investment in research and development have made it a major driver of AI.”
Chinese universities have produced a significant number of publications on AI research, and companies such as Baidu have developed notable AI models such as the Ernie chatbot.
The UK ranks third thanks to its robust research and development infrastructure and leading computer science universities that are cultivating a skilled AI workforce.
The UK is also home to DeepMind, Google’s artificial intelligence subsidiary, whose co-founder recently received a Nobel Prize.
The country has demonstrated a high level of government commitment to artificial intelligence, with more mentions of AI in parliamentary proceedings than any other nation, a move championed by former prime minister Rishi Sunak.
The previous year, the UK hosted the world’s first international AI security summit.
India follows closely behind in fourth place, supported by a strong AI research community, increased economic investment in AI, and active public discussion of AI topics across social media platforms.
In fifth place was the United Arab Emirates, which has attracted major investments including $1.5 billion from Microsoft in Abu Dhabi-based technology firm G42, which operates data centers and developed Jais, considered the world’s leading model of artificial intelligence in Arabic.
France, South Korea, Germany, Japan and Singapore complete the top 10.
France, home to emerging AI startup Mistral, is at the forefront of AI policy and governance. Both France and Germany are part of the European Union’s sweeping new AI law, which introduces safeguards for different AI applications based on their level of risk.
The EU is also following the US in drawing up a plan to expand semiconductor production within the bloc.
This article includes reporting from the Associated Press.
