Global Drivers of Artificial Intelligence Development: An Empirical Study Using the Global AI Index Across 62 Countries

This research examines the key factors influencing the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI) across 62 countries, utilizing the Global AI Index as the principal evaluation tool. The study focuses on seven indicators that represent five main variables: talent, infrastructure, operational environment, innovation, and investment. Through the use of multivariate analysis, the research identifies that the presence of skilled talent, adequate technological infrastructure, and a supportive operational environment are essential for fostering innovation in AI. The findings reveal a strong and statistically significant correlation between talent and innovation, as well as between innovation and investment. These results underscore the critical role that national strategies, educational systems, and business ecosystems play in creating a fertile environment for AI advancement. Interestingly, the analysis also indicates that the operational environment does not have a significant direct relationship with innovation, suggesting the presence of underlying structural or policy-related factors that may be limiting its impact. This highlights the need for further investigation into the contextual elements that facilitate or hinder AI innovation. Overall, the study provides practical insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to enhance their countries’ AI capacities through targeted investments in human capital, infrastructure, and innovation-supportive policies.