Artificial intelligence (AI) has the transformative potential to drive economic growth and societal progress, yet disparities in access, infrastructure, and skills continue to hinder its equitable adoption. A new report from the World Economic Forum, unveiled during the 2025 Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, seeks to address these challenges with a comprehensive strategy for building inclusive AI ecosystems worldwide.
The report, Blueprint for Intelligent Economies, created in collaboration with KPMG, provides a framework to ensure that AI benefits are distributed more fairly. It identifies nine strategic objectives to guide nations through the complex processes of AI innovation, deployment, and adoption. While each country faces unique challenges, the report argues that regional and global collaboration is essential to overcoming barriers and fostering sustainable, intelligence-driven economies.
Cathy Li, Head of AI, Data, and the Metaverse at the World Economic Forum, emphasised the importance of tailored solutions. “Leveraging AI for economic growth and societal progress is a shared goal, yet countries and regions have very different starting points. This blueprint serves as a compass, guiding decision-makers toward impact-oriented collaboration and practical solutions that can unlock AI’s full potential.”
The blueprint offers actionable recommendations for governments, businesses, and other stakeholders. It stresses the need for AI strategies that reflect local realities, incorporate diverse data, and build trust through ethical frameworks. By involving communities in the design and implementation of AI policies, leaders can address key concerns around governance, privacy, and equity while driving innovation and investment.
South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, underscored the urgency of fostering inclusive AI ecosystems. “The significant potential of AI remains largely untapped in many regions worldwide. Establishing an inclusive and competitive AI ecosystem will become a crucial priority for all nations. Collaboration among multiple stakeholders at the national, regional, and global levels will be essential in fostering growth and prosperity through AI for everyone.”
The report identifies three critical objectives for national AI programmes: developing sustainable infrastructure, curating diverse datasets, and establishing robust ethical guardrails. Sustainable infrastructure is highlighted as a cornerstone for growth, requiring significant investments and cross-sector collaboration to create secure and scalable systems. Ensuring datasets are diverse and representative is another priority, as equitable AI models depend on high-quality data that reflects the needs and cultures of all communities. Finally, ethical frameworks are deemed vital for mitigating risks such as bias, misuse, and breaches of trust.
Hatem Dowidar, Chief Executive Officer of E&, reinforced the importance of collective action. “All nations have a unique opportunity to advance their economic and societal progress through AI. This requires a collaborative approach of intentional leadership from governments supported by active engagement with all stakeholders at all stages of the AI journey. Regional and global collaborations remain fundamental pathways to address shared challenges and opportunities, ensure equitable access to key AI capabilities, and responsibly maximize its transformative potential for lasting value.”
The blueprint’s global perspective is complemented by region-specific initiatives, with the AI Governance Alliance launching Regional AI Activation Networks in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. These networks aim to address local challenges, foster innovation, and enhance data governance while building resilient AI value chains. Programmes will be tailored to regional needs and developed through multistakeholder platforms throughout 2025.
This initiative reflects the broader ambition of the World Economic Forum’s AI Competitiveness through Regional Collaboration Initiative, which aims to promote equitable and responsible AI ecosystems. By supporting policymakers and business leaders, the initiative seeks to create frameworks that foster inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
As nations grapple with the complexities of integrating AI into their economies, the blueprint offers a pragmatic and collaborative pathway forward. By aligning efforts at the local, regional, and global levels, the vision of a truly intelligent and inclusive age of AI becomes increasingly attainable.
