Governments should strategically position themselves to seize the opportunities offered by AI. This involves assessing national AI capacities across the three leverage points of infrastructure, data and skills; and identifying gaps to pinpoint areas of action. Different catch-up trajectories can steer the transition from current technological and productive capacities towards desired targets. Evaluating AI opportunities and challenges, through technology assessment and foresight exercises, helps identify actions to strengthen the innovation system. UNCTAD assists developing countries in technology assessment, and its Science, Technology
and Innovation (STI) Policy Review Programme supports the development of STI policies. A successful structural transformation requires cooperation among public authorities and ministries, such as those for STI, industry and education. Stakeholder engagement is crucial to identify AI solutions for sustainable development and to formulate STI plans that align with national objectives.