Main 20 AI countries 2024, by research capacity

In 2025, it was the United States that led the world in research capacity on AI. And led with a lead of nearly 50 points beyond its nearest competitor, China. Across the globe, no other nation comes close to the U.S. research capacity in AI.

Computer science still male-driven

Research requires educated and skilled individuals to do it and in the modern world, computer science education is still male-dominated. Both in Europe and the United States, it is males that trend far more towards bachelor’s degrees in computer science. However, females had a higher trend toward masters in this field in Europe, whereas, in the United States, their share was similar to their share of bachelor's degrees.

U.S. tech giants play a significant role

One primary driver of the United States' significant lead over other nations is the fact that it houses the largest tech companies on earth. Counting giants such as Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Amazon, the country has ample funds in private hands to drive AI research even without the enormous budget of the U.S. government.