The most affluent economies tend to
be better equipped to adopt artificial intelligence (AI)
compared to low-income countries, according to the International
Monetary Fund's new AI Preparedness Index Dashboard.
The research tracks 174 economies based on their preparedness in
four areas: digital infrastructure, human capital and labour
policies, innovation and economic integration, and regulation.
Countries are at different stages of preparation in exploiting
the potential benefits of artificial intelligence and in
managing its risks, IMF experts observed.
In most scenarios, AI use is set to worsen inequality, a
concerning trend which politicians can prevent with targeted
actions, they said.
In this context, the dashboard can be useful to politicians,
researchers and the public to better evaluate the level of
preparedness for AI and to identify necessary actions and
policies to guarantee that the advantages of artificial
intelligence can benefit all.
An example made by researchers is the labour market.
Approximately 30% of jobs in advanced economies could benefit
from the integration of the new technology, with better salaries
or increased productivity, they noted.
Younger workers could also take advantage of opportunities in a
more efficient way while older ones could have a harder time
adapting to changes, the IMF warned.
The experts thus outlined different priorities.
In advanced economies, policy makers should work to widen social
security networks, to invest in training for workers and
prioritize innovation and AI integration.
Countries would also need to coordinate globally to boost
regulations to safeguard people from the potential risks and
abuse of AI.
Emerging markets and developing economies should instead
prioritize investments in digital infrastructures and the
digital training of workers.
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