Developing countries need to strengthen national readiness and design targeted policies in order to prepare for a world rapidly being reshaped by artificial intelligence and other frontier technologies.

National competitiveness increasingly depends on science, technology and innovation (STI) and knowledge-intensive services.

Some developing countries exhibit significant potential relative to their income levels; most need to design industrial and innovation policies that account for the role of knowledge-intensive services and the uncertainties surrounding research and development.

It is also critical to consider the diffusion and direction of frontier technologies and their impact on the economy, and to adapt catch-up strategies accordingly.

Developing countries need to quickly respond to the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, implementing policies that align with national development goals and agendas.

It may be more feasible to immediately support the adoption of artificial intelligence for particular sectoral needs, yet developing countries should also formulate long-term strategic plans to steer national artificial intelligence development. Otherwise, as latecomers, they may be left with few options.

Report by the United Nations Conference on Trade & Development