US Ahead In Race To Deploy AI Followed By Europe And China

DAVOS (Switzerland), Jan 21 (Bernama-dpa) -- The United States (US) is well ahead in the race to develop artificial intelligence (AI), followed by Europe, which is slightly ahead of China, business consultants KPMG reported in an analysis presented at Davos on Wednesday, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

The Strategic AI Capability Index (SACI) was compiled by KPMG along with Oxford Economics of the United Kingdom (UK) on the basis of information from 900 decision-makers around the world.

The US position at 75.2 on a scale from zero to 100 is because US companies deploy the new technology rapidly and comprehensively in everyday business and have access to powerful computers in efficient financial markets.

It also profits from strong research and well-trained experts, taking AI solutions from trial to application quickly.

Europe comes in at 48.8 on the basis of strong industry and good rules for technology, although these advantages are scarcely used economically, as the introduction of AI in business is slow, with many applications stuck in the trial stage.

High energy costs, a shortage of computing power and fragmented financial markets are hampering AI roll-out on a large scale, according to the survey.

The UK and Ireland are best placed, scoring 69.2, with German-speaking Europe at 54 and Central, Eastern and Southern Europe scoring under 30.

China scores 48.2 based on registering AI patents and controlling important computer components, but cooperation with other countries is limited. This slows the exchange of knowledge and prevents AI from being used profitably.

The study recommends that Europe boost its autonomy without sealing itself off. Permitting processes need to be accelerated and more money made available for growing firms.

Additional computing power for new companies and more skilled personnel are needed, including through immigration.

Technical dependence needs to be reduced, and AI needs to be transferred to the economy more quickly, the study says.

--BERNAMA-dpa