Geneva. The United States and China have emerged as the world’s two leading nations in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. According to a recent report, China registered the highest number of AI-related inventions between 2014 and 2023, outpacing the United States by a significant margin.
The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) released its second Artificial Intelligence Progress Index, showing that while U.S. companies remain global leaders in technological innovation, Chinese firms rank closely behind in overall advancement.
Professor Michael Wade, head of strategy and digital transformation studies at IMD, said China has focused on expanding the use of AI in practical fields such as industry, healthcare, insurance, and autonomous vehicles. “Despite challenges in obtaining advanced computer chips, China has filed more than 38,000 AI-related inventions from 2014 to 2023—far more than the United States,” Wade noted.
He added that China’s approach prioritizes accessibility and practical application of AI in everyday life rather than merely building the most powerful systems.
The report highlights that large technology and communication companies across the world are making significant investments in AI. In China, firms in the technology and insurance sectors have shown the strongest capabilities, while traditional state-owned industries such as energy and manufacturing still lag behind.
According to IMD’s findings, companies that have effectively integrated AI technologies recorded an average annual revenue increase of 6.79%, whereas those with weaker AI adoption experienced a 0.51% decline in earnings.
Headquartered in Switzerland, the IMD operates educational centers in Lausanne and Singapore, and has recently established a new research task force in Shenzhen, China, to further promote AI innovation and its commercial applications.
