Getting into the AI groove

The AI revolution is entering a new phase. While frontier models have dominated the conversation, the focus is shifting to which countries can apply this technology to drive real economic and social progress. History shows that technological adoption typically takes a long time to spread from advanced to developing countries. However, AI is collapsing the lag time to nearly zero and even inverting the curve.

OpenAI's usage research indicates that ChatGPT is growing fastest in low- and middle-income countries, a reversal of past technology adoption patterns.

This simultaneous arrival in both developed and developing nations presents a unique opportunity for countries like Pakistan. While a country may start one generation behind technologically, early and effective adoption of AI can close the gap rapidly. Pakistan has several structural advantages to leverage this opportunity. Its large, young population is positioned to adopt AI at scale, with a growing share of graduates trained in relevant fields.

The country has also invested in the digital infrastructure necessary for AI applications, with notable developments like the launch of Sky47, Pakistan's first AI factory.

Language is a crucial factor in this transition. With many speakers of Urdu and other indigenous languages, solutions that are grounded in local languages and contexts can provide a competitive advantage. The policy environment in Pakistan is moving in the right direction, with the National AI Policy and National AI Innovation Framework recognizing AI as a priority for competitiveness, governance, and development.

The focus is on building talent, conducting research, and fostering collaboration between industry and academia.

However, the real measure of AI's impact will be its practical application in people's daily lives. Whether a farmer, nurse, or shopkeeper can use AI in their native language on a device they already own will determine the technology's success. While building the most powerful models is important, applying AI effectively is what will create the majority of its economic value.

Pakistan has the people, digital infrastructure, and urgency to become a frontier country that turns this head start into opportunity, productivity, and growth. The key now is to execute with sustained investment in skills, reliable digital infrastructure, and a supportive regulatory environment.