Quantifying the AI Gap: A Comparative Index of Development in the United States and Chinese Regions

TL;DR

This paper introduces a comprehensive AI development index comparing the US and Chinese regions, revealing significant regional disparities within China and providing a tool for policy and strategic decision-making.

Contribution

It develops a multi-dimensional AI index with a novel normalization and weighting approach, enabling detailed regional and national comparisons.

Findings

US outperforms China in overall AI development

Significant regional disparities exist within China

North, East, and South China regions lead in AI development

Abstract

This study develops a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) Index with seven primary dimensions, designed for provincial-level and industry-specific analysis. We employ an anchor point method for data normalization, using fixed upper and lower bounds as benchmarks, and devise a hierarchical indicator weighting system that combines expert judgment with objective data. The index draws from authoritative data sources across domains including official statistics, patents and research outputs, education and talent, industrial economy, policy and governance, and social impact. The China-US comparison indicates that under a unified framework, the US composite score (68.1) exceeds China's (59.4). We further dissect China into seven main areas to form a sub-national index. The findings reveal stark regional disparities in China's AI development: the North, East, and South regions lead in composite scores, whereas central and western regions lag significantly, underscoring the effects of regional concentration of innovation and industry resources. This research provides an academic reference and decision support tool for government agencies and research institutions, informing more targeted regional AI development strategies.