Which Countries Are Really Ready for AI?
The Data Behind the Hype-and What It Reveals
What does it mean to be 'AI ready'? You might think of high-income nations, tech giants, or fast internet. But the data tells a more surprising story.
🔗 Click the image below to enter the interactive app.
It's not just a visual-it's your tool to explore how countries stack up on AI readiness, compare key metrics, and uncover what really drives digital leadership.
How 188 Countries Compare on AI Readiness
Using global scores from the Oxford Government AI Readiness Index (GARI)-alongside metrics like the Human Capital Index (HCI) and the Network Readiness Index (NRI)-a new dataset explores how 188 countries measure up. We visualised the results in an interactive map and table that lets you explore, compare, and filter countries by readiness scores, income level, and region.
Key Insight: AI Readiness ≠ Wealth
The top scorers are no surprise-Singapore, USA, and Finland. But zoom in, and things get more interesting:
- Rwanda and Vietnam outperform their income group thanks to strong government vision and digital policy.
- Tunisia and Armenia have high human capital-but low AI readiness, suggesting education alone isn't enough.
- Some wealthy countries, like Kuwait and Oman: fall short due to weak tech ecosystems or strategy gaps.
✅ What the Data Confirms
- Digital infrastructure is essential: Countries with strong data systems, internet access, and platform integration score high in readiness.
- Wealth helps-but isn't enough: High-income countries often lead, but not always. Strategy and coordination matter more.
❌ What the Data Disproves
- Being well-educated doesn't mean you're AI ready: Many countries with strong health and education systems still lack government focus or innovation capacity.
- Tech investment can outperform income: Several low- and middle-income countries score better than richer ones by focusing on digital priorities.
Our Interactive Comparison App
Explore It Yourself - With Our Interactive App
Use our AI readiness explorer to:
- View global scores on government strategy, tech maturity, infrastructure, and more
- Compare regions or subregions
- Filter by income level or development indicators
- Investigate countries that outperform-or underperform-their peers
💡 This map isn't just something to explore-it's something you can learn to build. With the right AI tools and a little guidance, interactive data visuals are within your reach. On-the-job coaching »
Questions to Try in the App
- What holds back countries with strong education systems?
- Which regions have infrastructure but weak government strategy?
- How does your country compare across different readiness pillars?
Final Thought
AI readiness is not just about budget or bandwidth. It's about alignment: between infrastructure, people, and policy. The data shows that focus and coordination can often matter more than wealth.