The AI wave is getting stronger than expected. With the constant buzz surrounding artificial intelligence, it will be a great disservice to nations if the government feigns ignorance or undermines it. AI has gone beyond a watch- or buzzword. With the fierce competition among tech giants to invent the next ‘big thing’, it is gradually becoming a powerful societal tool for change and disruption. But why the whole buzz around AI? Why should nations even bother to pay attention?
Interestingly, AI is the fastest-growing technology because it has been nothing short of revolutionary. Over the years, we have seen new technologies emerge and make waves but failed to keep their promises. However, AI came with ‘massive-bang’ benefits and is still delivering them. This advanced technology is already steering the productivity wheel of many industries, from automating systems to cloud-computing to cyber security to expanding companies’ data powers.
Artificial intelligence is a programmed system that performs tasks usually executed by a human, such as decision-making, problem-solving, and deep reasoning. It is a broad concept that encompasses machine learning, robotics, computer vision, Natural Language Processing (NLP) and deep learning. Simply put, AI has revolutionised the way humans do things and experience lives.
Today, AI is becoming a top priority with increased attention and research. The possibility that it has to improve medical interventions, solve crimes, improved financial services, and address other social problems should be enough to ignite the curiosity of people. According to Statista, the number of AI tool users is projected to surge massively between 2024 and 2030 by a total of 414.7 million. This is the growing adoption that AI has.
While some nations choose to remain passive or excluded from the AI wave, others are beginning to strategically embrace it to increase their economic power and improve governance. China is one of the most formidable countries leveraging artificial intelligence to shape their industries and leapfrog their development.
The question is: What are the implications for adopting AI or remaining excluded from AI practices?
Well, I’d advise you to read on to find the answer to this question. I have duly provided in-depth coverage of the need for nations to adopt AI strategies, starting with an overview of current AI usage.
Global state of AI practices
Most people think AI came into existence a few years ago when the ChatGPT rave was ongoing. However, AI has existed since 1950. A computer scientist called Alan Turning carried out a test to find out if a human could differentiate a computer response from a human text.
However, the first success of AI was recorded when Christopher Strachey, the director of the Programming Research Group at the University of Oxford, ran his checkers program on the Ferranti Mark I computer. The speed at which the program could run showed how incredibly advanced technology is and what it could do and become in the coming years.
AI has long developed from comprehensive research papers to the rise of large language models (LLMs). LLMs is a type of artificial intelligence that uses deep learning models to understand and imitate humans. They are trained with large volumes of data to generate text, summarize long documents, automate processes, translate texts into multiple languages, build applications, and assist businesses with chatbots.
Today, we have the likes of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a form of generative AI designed to do human tasks with prompts. Just a few days ago, we were greeted with the news of another disruptive AI system originating from China –‘DeepSeek’ further changing the game of modern AI.
If you have been conversant with global trends, you would have noticed the slightly inconspicuous rat race by countries, especially the United States and China, to stay at the forefront of AI innovation. These countries are early adopters of AI, capitalising on it for competitive advantage and global dominance. Yet, it is too early to tell, as some other nations themselves are equally looking for ways to edge themselves forward.
The United States houses a rich ecosystem of leading technology companies like Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Apple. The country is synonymous with innovation with a business-friendly landscape for intelligent developers to ideate and contribute significantly to the economy. AI has been incorporated into diverse industries – from healthcare to manufacturing to automobiles – to aid customer service, improve medical support, and enhance the overall productivity of their workforce. Considering the pace at which US startups are channeling time and intelligence into developing technologies, the AI market is projected to reach US$66.21bn in 2025, with an expected growth rate of 27.57% (US$223.70bn) by 2030.
Other countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, China, and France are gradually embracing AI technologies. For instance, the Chinese government has been supportive of investing in tech firms and drafting policies that aid the development of AI systems. However, adopting AI isn’t the core focus but developing a working and favourable AI strategy that will stir positive change.
So, why should nations adopt an AI strategy? Let’s get right into it.
Reasons nations should adopt AI strategy
Every nation needs AI to stay competitive in a fast-changing world. The astonishing fact about AI is that it can be incorporated into all sectors of the country. Therefore, ignoring AI could be a ticking time bomb for secluded nations as technology advances without recourse.
1. Economic growth:
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has reshaped the workforce system. Through AI systems, organisations can replace routine tasks and free up more time to focus on more strategy and creative tasks. This means more productivity, faster delivery, reduced costs, and improved customer satisfaction. Additionally, AI-driven systems have created new job opportunities, which is predicted to be the birth of new markets and industries.
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report reveals that 85 million jobs might be replaced by automation; surprisingly, 97 million new roles are expected to be created. AI has created groundbreaking career paths, such as AI prompt engineer, AI art director, content creator, tech entrepreneur, VR experience designer, and so on. With industries adopting AI technologies, there will be high-quality products, advanced payment systems, job creation, improved customer experiences, and seamless cash flow -all of which can lead to overall economic growth.
2. Enhanced security:
National security is fundamental for peaceful co-existence in a country. AI provides a robust framework for safeguarding defense systems and cybersecurity. AI, through cloud computing, creates an integrated security system that combines various security solutions.
One of the security advantages of AI is threat detection. Once activated and authorised, AI can detect unusual activities early by analyzing and identifying patterns and placing active measures to mitigate them. For instance, the United States military uses AI in some of its systems but has also enforced responsible measures regulating it. AI systems, such as drone swarms, are utilis
ed for strategic decision-making, data processing, research, target recognition, and combat simulation.
AI can significantly streamline security processes, starting with network monitoring, activating end-point protection, automating response to incidents, and preventing potential breaches. Countries adopting AI for cybersecurity will not only help their ministries and commercial business owners but also enhance overall safety.
3. Education development:
AI can be a game-changer in shaping the future of learning through its accessible and advanced tools. Artificial intelligence can personalise learning at the convenience of the learners. For instance, AI-powered textbooks can be introduced, which provide a unique opportunity for learners to gain in-depth knowledge without the financial burden of purchasing physical books. South Korea is considering deploying this in their schools to create an inclusive learning experience for their students.
By considering adopting intelligent tutoring systems, nations can bridge learning gaps in the educational sector. This eliminates the option of a compulsory physical tutor. Children in less privileged regions can access information without limitations of location, language, funds, and social status.
4. Infrastructural development:
AI offers cutting-edge solutions that can transform the way infrastructural projects are developed. To improve efficiency and safety, the government can incorporate intelligent AI systems to carry out several functions. One of them is autonomous construction equipment that doesn’t require human supervision. This technology uses machine learning and robotics to expedite tasks without faltering on quality. Tools like bulldozers, drones, cranes, and excavators can work effectively with speed and accuracy.
Also, AI-powered traffic management systems can optimise traffic processes by monitoring situations and reporting to the appropriate authorities. Furthermore, AI can prolong the lifespan of healthcare assets through surveillance monitoring to identify irregularities and send sensor awareness.
Overall, artificial intelligence can be leveraged in different infrastructural projects, from water management systems to automated inspections, project management, and smart energy systems.
Ethical and regulatory considerations
We might hate to admit this, but AI is our current reality. Though most countries are hesitant to join the ‘bandwagon’ in leveraging this powerful technology, there is no assurance that it will not infiltrate the system illegally. Therefore, it is imperative for countries to put an ethical and regulatory framework to avoid the misuse of this technology.
Since AI works on already programmed data, there is a tendency for bias and discrimination. Since it works with existing information, some of which might be wrong, it could cause the dissemination of inaccurate information or promote inequality. Addressing the ethical issues surrounding AI is crucial for nations who want to leverage its astonishing perks while preventing any potential threats or disasters.
AI isn’t a passing phase.
We have seen its progression over time, yet its efficiency increases at every point. Now is not the time for countries to stay at the sideline as spectators or be at the receiving end of the great divide. Nations not adopting AI might find themselves at the whims of other countries utilizing it.
The adoption of AI is vital in fostering productive and inclusive governance. With the right strategy, nations can build a thriving and resilient AI ecosystem with adequate measures where it can be used yet regulated.
About the Author:
Charles Dairo is an award-winning entrepreneur and the founder of Beezop, an AI-powered software company that helps businesses scale efficiently through automated SOPs and compliance management.
