World Economic Forum unveils blueprint for equitable AI
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released a blueprint outlining how AI can drive inclusivity in global economic growth and societal progress. However, it also highlights the challenges in ensuring its benefits are equitably distributed across all nations and peoples.
Developed in partnership with KPMG, the blueprint offers nine strategic objectives to support government leaders, organisations, and key stakeholders through every phase of the AI lifecycle – from innovation to deployment – at local, national, and international levels. These strategies aim to bridge disparities in AI access, infrastructure, advanced computing, and skill development to promote sustainable, long-term growth.
Cathy Li, Head of AI, Data, and the Metaverse at the WEF, said: “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.”
Call for regional collaboration and local empowerment
Central to the ‘Blueprint for Intelligent Economies’ is the belief that successful AI adoption must reflect the specific needs of local communities—with strong leadership and collaboration among governments, businesses, entrepreneurs, civil society organisations, and end users.
Solly Malatsi, South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, commented: “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.”
By tailoring approaches to reflect geographic and cultural nuances, the WEF report suggests nations can create AI systems that address local challenges while also providing a robust bedrock for innovation, investment, and ethical governance. Case studies from nations at varying stages of AI maturity are used throughout the report to illustrate practical, scalable solutions.
For example, cross-border cooperation on shared AI frameworks and pooled resources (such as energy or centralised databanks) is highlighted as a way to overcome resource constraints. Public-private subsidies to make AI-ready devices more affordable present another equitable way forward. These mechanisms aim to lower barriers for local businesses and innovators, enabling them to adopt AI tools and scale their operations.
Hatem Dowidar, Chief Executive Officer of E&, said: “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 maximise its transformative potential for a lasting value for all.”
Priority focus areas
While the blueprint features nine strategic objectives, three have been singled out as priority focus areas for national AI strategies:
- Building sustainable AI infrastructure
Resilient, scalable, and environmentally sustainable AI infrastructure is essential for innovation. However, achieving this vision will require substantial investment, energy, and cross-sector collaboration. Nations must coordinate efforts to ensure that intelligent economies grow in both an equitable and eco-friendly manner.
- Curating diverse and high-quality datasets
AI’s potential hinges on the quality of the data it can access. This strategic objective addresses barriers such as data accessibility, imbalance, and ownership. By ensuring that datasets are inclusive, diverse, and reflective of local languages and cultures, developers can create equitable AI models that avoid bias and meet the needs of all communities.
- Establishing robust ethical and safety guardrails
Governance frameworks are critical for reducing risks like misuse, bias, and ethical breaches. By setting high standards at the outset, nations can cultivate trust in AI systems, laying the groundwork for responsible deployment and innovation. These safeguards are especially vital for promoting human-centred AI that benefits all of society.
The overall framework outlined in the report has three layers:
- Foundation layer: Focuses on sustainable energy, diverse data curation, responsible AI infrastructure, and efficient investment mechanisms.
- Growth layer: Embeds AI into workflows, processes, and devices to accelerate sectoral adoption and boost innovation.
- People layer: Prioritises workforce skills, empowerment, and ethical considerations, ensuring that AI shapes society in a beneficial and inclusive way.
A blueprint for global AI adoption
The Forum is also championing a multi-stakeholder approach to global AI adoption, blending public and private collaboration. Policymakers are being encouraged to implement supportive legislation and incentives to spark innovation and broaden AI’s reach. Examples include lifelong learning programmes to prepare workers for the AI-powered future and financial policies that enable greater technology access in underserved regions.
The WEF’s latest initiative reflects growing global recognition that AI will be a cornerstone of the future economy. However, it remains clear that the benefits of this transformative technology will need to be shared equitably to drive societal progress and ensure no one is left behind.
The Blueprint for Intelligent Economies provides a roadmap for nations to harness AI while addressing the structural barriers that could otherwise deepen existing inequalities. By fostering inclusivity, adopting robust governance, and placing communities at the heart of decision-making, the WEF aims to guide governments, businesses, and innovators toward a sustainable and intelligent future.
See also: UK Government signs off sweeping AI action plan
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