Overtaking Course USA Leads the Way in Artificial Intelligence

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The United States of America is in the lead when it comes to AI. Europe is in second place and the Chinese are close behind ...

The United States is clearly in the lead in the global race for artificial intelligence (AI). Europe follows in second place, just ahead of China. This was the result of a recent study by the consulting firm KPMG, for which over 900 decision-makers worldwide were surveyed. The Strategic AI Capability Index (SACI) was developed by KPMG together with the German AI Association and the British consulting firm Oxford Economics. It measures the extent to which AI is already being used in the respective economy, how sustainable the political and legal framework is and how well the relevant research, specialists and training in the national economies are set up for this. The USA's lead—rated at 75.2 points on a scale of zero to 100 in the ranking—is based on the fact that American companies are using the new technology more quickly and comprehensively in their day-to-day business. This is aided by well-functioning financial markets and widespread access to powerful computers. The USA also benefits from strong research and many well-trained specialists, which helps to bring AI innovations quickly from the test phase to widespread use. The success is therefore no coincidence, but a clear result of the combination of investment, research and application.

German-Speaking Europe is in the Middle of the AI Field

Europe is well behind the USA in the overall ranking with 48.8 points. Although Europe has a strong industry and good rules for the technology, these advantages are hardly being used economically. The introduction of AI in companies is progressing slowly and many applications are already stuck at the experimental stage. High electricity prices, a lack of computing power and fragmented financial markets also make it difficult to roll out the technology on a large scale, according to the experts. Within Europe, however, the picture is divided according to region: Great Britain and Ireland perform best and, at 69.2 points, are almost on a par with the US. The German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) are in the middle of the field with 54 points. Central and Eastern Europe (28.8 points) and Southern Europe (26.3) lag behind because they often lack money and technical equipment.

China is Good, But Isolates Itself from the Outside World

China was only just behind Europe in the assessment with 48.2 points. Although the country is strong in registering AI patents and controls important components for computer technology, cooperation with foreign countries leaves a lot to be desired. This isolation is now slowing down the exchange of knowledge and often prevents AI from being used profitably in the economy, it says. The study therefore recommends that Europe strengthen its existing independence without isolating itself, as is the case in China. However, in order to catch up, approval procedures must be accelerated and more money made available for growing companies in the sector. There also needs to be a reserve of computing power for young companies and more skilled workers—including through immigration if necessary. The aim must therefore be to reduce technical dependencies and bring artificial intelligence into the economy more quickly and more broadly.

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ETMM Dossier – Artificial Intelligence