According to a recent AI maturity index, out of 73 economies assessed, only Canada, Mainland China, Singapore, the UK, and the U.S. are categorized as AI pioneers. More than 70% scored below the halfway mark in categories like ecosystem participation, skills, and R&D.
AI is revolutionizing industries and economies, positioning itself as a cornerstone of future economic development. Its rapid implementation has made it a top priority for economies worldwide.
BCG advises policymakers to act now and adjust to a world of AI, in order to boost resiliency, productivity, jobs, modernization, and competitiveness.
AI will make up progressively larger shares of the pioneers’ GDPs over the next several years, as these actors supply more and more AI technologies, services, skills, and investment to the world.
Canada: An AI Pioneer
Since the 1980s, Canada has been a pioneer in artificial intelligence, driven by a wealth of talent, innovative leadership, and groundbreaking research. Canada solidified its tech leadership further by becoming the first country to launch a national AI strategy in 2017.
As a commitment, the government is taking proactive steps to provide organizations, businesses, and researchers with the necessary support while advancing AI technology.
In 2023, Canada's Voluntary Code of Conduct regarding the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems provided a set of guidelines that organizations can incorporate into their practices when working on the creation and oversight of general-purpose generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
For the first time last year, a Canadian-based airline integrated AI into its safety management system (SMS) to manage incident reporting.
In 2024, the country continued to progress with the new Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) project, including PrairiesCan and PacifiCan, and the launch of the Canadian Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (CAISI) that will bolster Canada’s capacity to address AI safety risks.
This year, TELUS and Mila also announced a strategic partnership where they will be exploring state-of-the-art AI technologies and potential industry impacts for the benefit of Canadian customers.
Amidst the ongoing integration of AI across various industries, Canadian workers are navigating a juncture marked by both optimism and uncertainty. While 57% embrace AI as a beacon of progress, a significant 61% harbor concerns over its potential dark side.
ICT: High AI Exposure Results in GDP Growth
ICT sectors, encompassing information, communication, and high-tech goods, have also shown high AI exposure. Beyond driving automation, such sectors also produce AI-related goods and services that other industries use or sell. As a result, economies with strong ICT sectors that produce AI technologies will see their GDPs grow.
Moreover, semiconductors created by an economy’s high-tech goods sector are also heavily used in autonomous driving for enhanced safety features and improved fuel efficiency. As a result, homegrown AI has the potential to disrupt an economy’s automotive sector, making it more innovative and competitive. In this way, both automakers and chip makers can anticipate further revenue growth.
Read More: Calgary Tech Ecosystem Ranks Globally: $8 Billion Growth in Two Years
