In a recent cross-country study, Singapore has emerged as a leader in the readiness for AI integration in various aspects of life, including work and education. This comprehensive analysis evaluated digital infrastructure and technical skills across over 120 countries, highlighting how young people adapt to AI-driven services.
The report details essential factors influencing the adoption of AI technologies among youth, with Singapore taking the top spot, followed closely by Germany and Finland.
By assessing six key indicators, the study created a cumulative score to capture both infrastructure capabilities and AI competencies: an information and communication technology (ICT) ranking, internet penetration rates, the proportion of university graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the state of digital infrastructure, and an AI preparedness measure.
Singapore led the rankings with an impressive ICT score of 97.7 and a noteworthy 36.3% of recent graduates specializing in STEM fields. Additionally, its AI Preparedness Index scored an impressive 0.8.
Germany secured the second position, boasting an ICT score of 89.6 and a remarkable 94% internet penetration among its populace. Roughly 20% of its university graduates pursued degrees in technology and scientific disciplines, positioning Germany as a strong contender in both digital infrastructure and AI readiness within the top 10.
Finland rounded out the top three with the highest ICT score of 98.7 among the leading nations. While 18.4% of its tertiary graduates are in STEM fields, the country also demonstrated a solid readiness for embracing new tools in the job market.
Estonia followed closely in fourth place, achieving an ICT score of 98.5 and a commendable 92% internet usage rate. Approximately 17.5% of graduates focused on technology, sciences, and mathematics. The report praised Estonia’s exemplary digital infrastructure, assigning it a score of 0.2, showcasing its advanced capabilities.
Austria held the fifth spot, recording an ICT score of 95.5 and the highest internet usage rate in the top five at 95%. The nation exhibited a favorable proportion of young individuals studying science and technology, significantly contributing to its innovative environment, which embraces digital payments and online platforms across various economic sectors.
Top 10 table
Beyond the top five, Denmark ranked sixth with an ICT score of 97.9 and full internet usage at 100%. About 12.9% of its tertiary graduates specialized in science and technology.
Japan came in seventh with an ICT score of 93.6 and 87% internet usage. New Zealand took eighth place with an ICT score of 91.3 and a 96% internet penetration rate. Following closely, Israel claimed the ninth spot with an ICT score of 93.4 and 88% internet usage. Lastly, Lithuania completed the top ten with an ICT score of 95.3 and an 89% internet usage rate.
The rankings effectively blend connectivity and infrastructure with educational measures and skill sets. High internet usage was a common feature among the top contenders, with all exhibiting rates above 85%.
Several smaller European economies with a focus on digital solutions also showcased strong performances, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure and ICT advancements. Countries like Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, and Denmark excelled on the ICT front.
Singapore’s leading position reflects consistently high scores across all indicators, particularly its substantial percentage of STEM graduates and excellent ICT performance. Germany’s placement benefits from widespread internet access and graduate profiles, while Finland’s ranking is closely tied to its ICT advancements.
Consumer angle
The research was conducted by iSharing, known for its consumer-centric studies alongside its location-sharing app, covering over 120 nations.
A representative of iSharing articulated the insights connected to how families engage with technology daily:
“Children in these nations are not just comfortable, but fluent in technology, greatly assisting their parents. This new generation is learning to navigate digital and AI tools just as previous generations learned to drive. Parents in these digitally advanced countries tend to adopt safety technologies more swiftly because their children already understand their functions. When a 14-year-old can update apps or establish safe zones independently, it significantly boosts family security.”
The report further explores how integrated AI tools have become in everyday routines and the variations across countries. It underscores the significance of educational pathways and foundational connectivity in fostering technological adoption among the youth.
As consumer services increasingly incorporate AI functionalities and workplaces expand their use of AI-driven software, the findings suggest that the divide between nations with strong digital foundations and those lacking will be a crucial element influencing how swiftly young people adopt new technological tools.
