Technology and Innovation Report 2025: Inclusive Artificial Intelligence for Development, published by UNCTAD in 2025, explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) as a general-purpose technology and its implications for sustainable development. The report examines global disparities in AI readiness, capacity, and governance, emphasizing the growing dominance of tech giants and developed countries in AI research, infrastructure, and data.
Focusing on three key leverage points—infrastructure, data, and skills—the report offers policy guidance for fostering inclusive AI adoption in developing countries. It highlights national strategies, sectoral applications, and international cooperation models that can help close the AI divide. By promoting people-centered innovation and equitable global governance, the report aims to ensure that AI contributes to shared prosperity and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
