Bergur Thormundsson
Research expert covering technology in the Nordics, AI and smart cities
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the U.S. - statistics & facts
The generative AI revolution has taken the world by storm and at the center of that storm sits the United States. It is undeniable that the U.S. leads in the global development of artificial intelligence (AI), demonstrated by its unequivocal primacy in research capacity on AI. The U.S also boasts some of the largest and most advanced technology companies in the world, with the likes of Microsoft and Google, contributing to the development of AI. This gives the U.S. a head-start in the quest for dominance of the rapidly growing generative AI market.
A willingness to test and invest
The strength of the U.S. in developing generative AI is composed of several advantageous factors that have enabled it to out-develop its rivals in Europe and China. As a first, the U.S. is hosts an innovative business environment, already housing some of the most highly sought-after generative AI startups such as OpenAI and Anthropic. In line with this, the U.S. leads the world in AI startup deals, recording as many as Europe and Asia combined in 2023. The second, and arguably more important advantage, is the sheer capacity of the U.S. government and U.S.-based companies to pump capital into technological development. AI startup funding in the U.S. in 2023 was nearly three-times that of the rest of the world combined. Further proof of this immense financial strength can be seen in global funding trends for generative AI startups where all but one of the top ten are based in the United States.U.S. workers go for it
The average worker and individual residing in the United States is also ahead in testing and trying this new generative AI phenomenon. People in the U.S. were nearly twice as likely as their Asian and European peers to use generative AI at work and outside the workplace regularly. This willingness to try out the new technology within the workspace will allow U.S. workers to capitalize quicker on future developments, being already more immersed in generative AI than their global competitors. In the U.S. your average individual is also aware of the main generative AI programs. Over half the respondents in the U.S. had used ChatGPT at least once, and usage for the other main generative AI programs was similarly high, with Google’s Bard, for example, having a near 50 percent usage ratio.A lead must be maintained
While it is unlikely that the U.S. will be outdone in the competition for generative AI development in the future it is also crucial for the country to maintain its technological edge. Complacency in development, apathy in funding, or lack of innovative encouragement would all have a stifling effect on the advantages that have kept the U.S. ahead in the generative AI race. This would enable competitors, most likely China, to close the gap.
