As the global AI infrastructure market continues to expand—valued at $36.59 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $356.14 billion by 2032, growing at a rate of 29.1%—countries worldwide are ramping up efforts to lay the foundation for AI innovation.1 In the AEC industry, AI-powered automation is revolutionising workflows, driving efficiency and reducing costs, highlighting an increasingly clear business case for firms to adopt the technology.
In response to this rapid growth, ARKANCE employed a points-based index system analysing several metrics such as: AI venture capital investment, AI talent, research output, broadband speeds, cybersecurity and government tech maturity over the last five years to identify the countries leading in AI infrastructure.
Key Findings:
Singapore is the leading country in AI infrastructure, scoring 8.91/10, with the highest AI venture capital investment per $1,000 of GDP ($14 million)
South Korea ranks second, excelling with the highest government technology maturity score of 9.91/10.
The United Kingdom leads in cybersecurity, boasting the highest Cybersecurity Index score at 9.95/10
The results: The countries leading in AI infrastructures
# | Country | AI VC Investment (per 1k GDP)* | AI Talent** | % of research publications involving AI | Broadband Speeds (Mbps) | Cybersecurity Index /10 | Government Tech Maturity /10 | AI Index /10*** | AI infrastructure Score /10 |
1. | Singapore | $14,006,013 | 8.80 | 31.8% | 305.01 | 9.85 | 8.33 | 9.70 | 8.91 |
2. | South Korea | $6,548,369 | 7.90 | 23.3% | 160.60 | 9.85 | 9.91 | 9.40 | 7.71 |
3. | United Kingdom | $7,492,742 | 3.70 | 18.8% | 112.11 | 9.95 | 8.40 | 9.60 | 6.93 |
=4. | Canada | $5,645,101 | 4.50 | 19.3% | 193.43 | 9.77 | 7.69 | 9.20 | 6.72 |
=4. | France | $3,222,801 | 4.90 | 16.7% | 230.34 | 9.76 | 9.45 | 9.50 | 6.72 |
=4. | United States | $11,484,293 | 3.60 | 16.6% | 246.33 | 10.00 | 7.66 | 9.90 | 6.72 |
=7. | Germany | $3,297,741 | 6.90 | 17.3% | 91.58 | 9.74 | 7.68 | 9.30 | 5.42 |
=7. | China | $7,674,778 | 4.80 | 27.9% | 180.55 | 9.25 | 6.65 | 9.80 | 5.42 |
9. | Luxembourg | $727,654 | 7.40 | 27.0% | 146.70 | 9.50 | 8.14 | 8.10 | 5.31 |
=10. | Finland | $1,778,890 | 7.10 | 20.4% | 117.38 | 9.21 | 8.11 | 8.50 | 5.26 |
=10. | India | $3,760,649 | 4.20 | 25.2% | 63.46 | 9.75 | 9.40 | 9.00 | 5.26 |
*In the past 5 years . **Per 1k LinkedIn members 2023. ***Based on AI implementation, innovation and investment in the country
Singapore leads in AI infrastructure globally
ARKANCE can reveal that Singapore is the global leader in AI infrastructure with an AI infrastructure score of 8.91/10. Singapore has an AI venture capital investment of $14 million per 1k GDP—the highest amongst all countries—showcasing an environment primed for innovation. Singapore excels in AI talent (8.80 per 1k LinkedIn members) and leads in research, with 31.8% of its research papers involving AI—90% more than the United States (16.6%). The broadband speeds of 305 Mbps outperform Germany by more than 3x (91.58 Mbps), alongside a cybersecurity score of 9.85/10 which assesses a country’s commitment to protecting its digital infrastructure, reinforcing its robust tech ecosystem. Singapore’s government demonstrates strong tech maturity (8.33/10) and an advanced AI Index (9.70/10), making it the ideal hub for cutting-edge AI development.
South Korea ranks second with the strongest government tech maturity
South Korea ranks second with an AI infrastructure score of 7.71/10. The country excels in government tech maturity, scoring 9.91/10, leading against all other countries in this category. South Korea also demonstrates advanced AI-implementation capabilities, scoring 9.40/10. The country’s broadband speeds of 160.6 Mbps surpass the United Kingdom’s 112 Mbps by 43%, while its Cybersecurity Index score of 9.85/10 ensures a secure foundation for technological growth. South Korea’s AI venture capital investment of $6.5 million per 1k GDP reflects its commitment to innovation, almost double that of Germany ($3.3 million). With 23.3% of its research publications involving AI—40% more than Canada (19.3%)—South Korea cements its position as a powerhouse in the AI landscape.
The United Kingdom stands out with high AI VC investment
The United Kingdom ranks third with an AI infrastructure score of 6.93/10. The UK has a strong AI venture capital investment of $7.5 million per 1k GDP—17% higher than South Korea’s ($6.5 million)—and the world’s highest cybersecurity score of 9.95/10. With broadband speeds of 112 Mbps, outperforming Luxembourg by 30% (146.7 Mbps), and a government tech maturity score of 8.40/10—the UK is poised for strong AI adoption and advancement. With 18.8% of its research publications involving AI, the UK exceeds France (16.7%) in this area by 12.5%, underlining its dedication to advancing AI capabilities.
United States ranks fourth for AI infrastructure
The United States, a global leader in technological innovation, shares the fourth spot with Canada and France, with an AI infrastructure score of 6.72/10. With the highest AI venture capital investment of $11.48 million per $1,000 of GDP, the US demonstrates its unparalleled capacity for innovation. The United States’ AI implementation and innovation index score of 9.90/10 reflects a thriving ecosystem that includes Silicon Valley, the birthplace of AI giants like OpenAI and Google DeepMind. With broadband speeds averaging 246.33 Mbps, the US surpasses China’s speeds of 180.55 Mbps by 36%, providing a smooth digital infrastructure for AI growth. The US boasts an exceptional Cybersecurity Index score of 10/10 and a thriving innovation ecosystem, continuing to dominate sectors such as healthcare, defense, and autonomous systems, solidifying its role as a global AI powerhouse.
Finland and India round off the list in tenth
Finland and India share tenth place for AI infrastructure with a score of 5.26/10. Finland excels in AI talent, with 7.10 specialists per 1,000 LinkedIn members—nearly double Canada’s 4.5. The country also leads in AI research, with 20.4% of publications involving AI. Despite a lower AI investment of $1.8 million per 1,000 GDP, Finland boasts an 8.11/10 government technology maturity score and fast broadband speeds of 117.38 Mbps.
India shows strong progress with $3.76 million in AI venture capital per 1,000 GDP. The country leads in AI research, contributing 25.21% of publications. While broadband speeds average 63.46 Mbps, India’s cybersecurity index is impressive at 9.75/10, and its AI implementation score of 9/10 reflects its growing AI capabilities. Despite slower internet speeds, India remains a key global AI player.
Greg Arranz, CEO of ARKANCE, comments:
“As AI continues to shape the future, countries are investing heavily in the infrastructure needed to support this transformative technology. Leaders like Singapore and South Korea are setting the standard with strong government backing, cutting-edge tech innovation, and significant investments in AI venture capital. For the AEC industry, these advancements hold enormous potential, as AI-powered automation can streamline design, enhance construction management, and improve project outcomes.
Building a robust digital ecosystem—whether through AI talent, research, or reliable internet infrastructure—is crucial not only for advancing local economies but also for driving efficiency and innovation in sectors like AEC. By prioritising AI infrastructure, countries are positioning themselves for significant growth, global leadership, and breakthroughs in industries that depend on automation and efficiency.”
