The European Union (EU) is lagging behind in the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) while the United States (US) is leading the way and China is improving rapidly, according to a new report.

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation assessed AI advancement using 30 metrics including human talent, research activity, commercial development and investment in hardware and software based on 2020 data.

The US obtained a score of 44.6 points on a 100-point scale, followed by China with 32 and the European Union with 23.3.

The researchers found the US leading in areas such as investment in start-ups and research and development funding.

China made strides in several areas and had 214 of the world's 500 most powerful supercomputers, compared with 113 for the US and 91 for the EU.

The EU lagged behind in venture capital and private equity funding, but fared better in terms of research papers published.

The report concluded that Europe needs to boost research tax incentives and expand public research institutes working on AI.

The report added that for the United States to maintain its lead it must boost support for AI research and deployment, and increase efforts to develop domestic AI talent while attracting global talent.

Daniel Castro, director of the think tank's Center for Data Innovation, said: "The Chinese government has made AI a top priority and the results are showing."

"The United States and European Union need to pay attention to what China is doing and respond, because nations that lead in the development and use of AI will shape its future and significantly improve their economic competitiveness, while those that fall behind risk losing competitiveness in key industries."

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