As the World Embraces Agentic AI, New Salesforce Index Reveals Which Countries Are Seizing the Day

Strong innovation, capital, and widespread diffusion have placed the U.S., Singapore, the U.K., Canada, and Germany at the forefront of AI-driven transformation, according to Salesforce's new Global AI Readiness Index. Public sector deployment and workforce upskilling have also appeared as key differentiators for countries ranking high in AI readiness.

Why it matters: The index assessed current AI readiness across 16 countries, looking at five key dimensions:

1. Regulatory Frameworks: Are policies ready for AI's complexities?
2. AI Diffusion & Adoption: How widely is AI being used?
3. Innovation Ecosystems: Is there robust capacity for AI innovation?
4. Investment Environments: Is capital flowing where it's needed?
5. Human Capital & Skills: Does the workforce have the necessary AI skills?

The findings: Though each country measured in the index is at a different point in its journey to scale AI, most markets showed similar progress and promise, suggesting that collectively, the world is converging in AI readiness. The research shows that there is opportunity to accelerate in each market with a focus on specific areas.

• Some countries - the U.S., Singapore, the U.K., Canada, and Germany - demonstrate a high degree of institutional coordination, advanced digital infrastructure, and active engagement from both the public and private sectors.
• Others - South Korea, Japan, Australia, France, and Saudi Arabia - show growing momentum in key areas, including public services, but would benefit from capital mobilization and skills development.
• Mexico, Indonesia, Brazil, and Argentina are making strides in AI strategy, but lag in core infrastructure, funding, and workforce readiness.
• Countries including Italy, Brazil, and Argentina have an opportunity to close readiness gaps by focusing on both upskilling and translating policy into investment and infrastructure.

Countries that act decisively to boost adoption, align their strategies, and invest in skills will be best positioned to lead and benefit from the next profound phase of AI-driven transformation.

What they're saying: "The findings show that our collective ability to leverage digital labor for successful human-AI partnerships hinges not just on technological advancements, but also on a concerted effort to establish governance and skill up our workforce," said Aliki Foinikopoulou, Senior Director of Global Public Policy at Salesforce. "Countries that act decisively to boost adoption, align their strategies, and invest in skills will be best positioned to lead and benefit from the next profound phase of AI-driven transformation."

The source: Salesforce's Global AI Readiness Index provides actionable insights and learnings from leading countries to guide public sector leaders looking to capitalize on the next AI wave - agentic AI - all while keeping trust, talent, and inclusive innovation at the center of policies and governance.

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