TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed how work is done across nearly every industry. Even on a national scale, some countries investing in AI pour multi-billion-dollar budgets into the technology.
Leading the charge are the United States and China, with estimated AI investments of $471 billion and $119 billion, respectively, between 2013 and 2024.
These nations, alongside others following closely behind, see AI as a key driver for building stronger innovation ecosystems and achieving long-term economic growth.
According to Visual Capitalist and Investopedia, here’s the list of countries investing in AI the most.
List of the Top Countries Investing in AI (Data 2013–2024)
1. United States - $471 Billion
The United States has long been at the forefront of top countries investing in AI. In 2024, its bold commitment to advancing AI technologies resulted in a growth of over thirteenfold since 2014, making its annual investment nearly 12 times higher than China’s.
This massive investment is clearly translating into real-world adoption, as seen in tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, who continue to lead the charge in adapting to energy transitions that power AI systems.
Additionally, according to Human-Centered Artificial (HAI) Stanford University, AI usage in US organizations remarkably surged in 2024, jumping from 55% in 2023 to 78%.
2. China - $119 Billion
As the second-largest economy in the world, China has defined a clear long-term strategy for AI development since 2017. Backed by robust government funding and policies that align corporate goals with national priorities, the country is now accelerating efforts to integrate AI into 90% of its economy by 2030.
What sets China apart from its global counterparts is its pragmatic approach to building AI that is not only scalable and effective but also cost-efficient and ready for mass adoption in the market.
A standout example is the AI startup DeepSeek, which reportedly developed a high-performing AI model with just $5.6 million in funding.
3. United Kingdom - $28 Billion
The United Kingdom leads Europe’s AI landscape, with a remarkable $28 billion invested between 2013 and 2024. As home to 168 tech unicorns, the nation’s thriving tech sector is now valued at an estimated $1 trillion.
According to gov.uk, British AI companies alone contributed £11.8 billion to the UK economy in the past year, doubling the amount recorded in 2023. Employment in the AI sector has also surged, with more than 86,000 people now working in AI-related roles nationwide. Ultimately, the UK’s investment in AI has been proven to help drive both innovation and economic growth.
4. Canada - $15 Billion
Canada may not top the list in raw dollars, but it punches above its weight in AI influence. The birthplace of AI pioneers like Yoshua Bengio and Geoffrey Hinton, the Canadian government recently introduced the new Computing Access Fund—a bold $2 billion investment aimed at accelerating job growth and boosting productivity.
As the government sees investment in the technology as an effort to build the strongest economy in the G7, the initiative then targets AI adoption across key sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture.
5. Israel - $15 Billion
Israel’s flourishing startup ecosystem underscores its reputation as a global hub for innovation. With approximately 2,300 AI-related startups, the country has attracted an estimated $15 billion in private investment over the past decade.
Israel’s AI strength is driven by a powerful synergy between academia, industry, and government. Leading institutions like the Technion and the Weizmann Institute are at the forefront of AI research, while major companies such as Mobileye—Intel’s autonomous vehicle technology subsidiary—showcase the country’s global tech impact.
6. Germany - $13 Billion
As Europe’s industrial powerhouse, Germany has firmly established itself among the top countries investing in AI. Since launching its national AI strategy in 2018, the country has steadily increased its annual AI budget, signaling long-term commitment at the federal level.
Germany views AI not just as an economic driver, but as a foundational technology to help tackle major societal challenges, such as in healthcare, energy transition, and climate change.
To support this vision, the country has established multiple Centers of Excellence for AI Research, like BIFOLD, DFKI, and MCML.
As governments, businesses, and institutions deepen their commitment to AI, the next decade will likely define not just who leads in technology, but who thrives in a world increasingly powered by it. Curious about other places thriving in artificial intelligence? Let’s take a look at the world’s AI cities.
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