The Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) are driving radical change while the internet of things (IoT) is providing new opportunities to challenge traditional business processes.

AI is one of the most transformational technology innovations of our time with the ability to generate huge revenue gains across every industry. However, we must recognize that with 2.6 billion people living offline , not everyone is able to tap into the benefits of AI and this could result in a deepening digital and economic divide. AI is therefore at a key juncture; it stands with the ability to either exacerbate global technology inequalities or become a transformative force for shared prosperity. We are already seeing countries being left behind as they struggle to solve complex challenges, from cross-border data flows to ethical AI governance and talent shortages. Less developed economies are at risk of becoming consumers at best—even more marginalized at worst—rather than active participants in the AI economy, further perpetuating economic dependencies. This is a cycle that we need to address.

As a first step we participated in helping the Forum to create a blueprint that sets out how to achieve growth through inclusive AI. It details the benefits of AI for shared economic and societal gains. Our aim was to help create a practical framework for governments, businesses and non-profit organizations of all sizes wanting to build new, intelligent economies in a safe and responsible way. The approach spans three levels: AI data center infrastructure, new AI economies, and governance and policies aligned specifically to economies of intelligence. The blueprint shows how public and private sector decision makers can come together, with the information needed, to design and deliver safe and responsible AI growth strategies. With the right tools and strategy, we believe countries and companies around the world can grow their economies through inclusive and responsible AI.