Technology and Innovation Report 2025

Current Context: The Technology and Innovation Report 2025, titled “Inclusive Artificial Intelligence(AI) for Development”, was released by UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development).

About

• Aims to guide inclusive AI policies for development.

AI Investment (2023):

• US: $67 billion (70% of global share)
• China: $7.8 billion
• India: $1.4 billion (10th position)
• India ranked 36th in 2024 on Readiness for Frontier Technologies Index (up from 48th in 2022).

Concerns:

• 100 firms (mostly US & China) drive 40% of global R&D.
• 118 Global South countries excluded from AI governance.
• Up to 40% of global jobs could be affected by AI.

Recommendations:

• Focus on reskilling, infrastructure, data ecosystems, and digital skills.
• Create global AI access facility.