LONDON – The International Finance Forum is pleased to announce the launch of Phase Three of its pioneering Global AI Competitiveness Index Report, a comprehensive global benchmarking initiative aimed at evaluating national performance and preparedness in artificial intelligence. This latest phase will concentrate on human capital and will assess countries based on the depth and distribution of their AI talent and the robustness of their educational and professional training programs in the field.

The announcement follows a recent strategic meeting led by Patrick Glauner, Coordinator of the IFF’s AI Committee and Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology. The session brought together leading experts and policymakers to refine the methodology and indicators for Phase Three. Attendees included Zhou Jian, senior IFF data analyst, Dmitry Kaminskiy, co-founder of Deep Knowledge Group, Volker Römermann, legal expert and President of the Federal Association of German SMEs and Rudolf Mellinghoff, former Judge of the German Federal Constitutional Court.

Phase Three of the report shifts attention to one of the most pressing issues in the AI landscape: the global race for talent. This phase will explore a wide range of indicators, including:

·       The number and geographic distribution of AI professionals

·       Training pathways for AI talent

·       Employment status and international mobility

·       National strategies for AI talent development

·       Supply and demand in the AI labor market

“There is a widening gap between the supply of AI professionals and the rapidly increasing demand for them, particularly in sectors such as computer vision, medical imaging, finance, and advanced manufacturing,” said Glauner. “Our goal is to provide a clear picture of where talent is being cultivated and where it is being deployed.”

As AI continues to evolve, so does the competition to attract and retain skilled talent. Countries that have implemented forward-thinking policies, such as fast-tracked visas for AI professionals, substantial research funding, and incentives for AI-focused startups, are emerging as global talent hubs.

“AI talent is highly mobile and tends to gravitate toward ecosystems that offer strong support and career advancement,” said Kaminskiy. “But it’s also important to accurately identify those truly specializing in AI, rather than those in adjacent fields. For instance, while India produces a significant number of IT professionals, not all of them can be classified as AI experts.”

According to Mellinghoff, addressing the talent gap must start early. “To prepare the next generation of AI professionals, foundational education in AI must begin in schools. If children are not introduced to these concepts early, we risk losing future innovators before they even enter university.”

Römermann also emphasized the role of national infrastructure and legal environments in either accelerating or hindering AI development. “Germany, with its complex legal frameworks, can sometimes slow innovation, whereas countries like India are rapidly advancing due to their science-focused national agendas. These are critical factors we will analyze in the Index.”

As AI technology becomes more integral to daily life and economic productivity, the demand for a qualified workforce will only intensify. The report will issue strategic recommendations to improve academic curricula, strengthen international cooperation, and scale training programs to meet future industry needs.

“This updated Index will be an invaluable resource for governments, businesses, and academic institutions,” Glauner added. “It not only tracks AI capability but also provides strategic insights to shape national policy and international collaboration.”

Phase Three is a continuation of the IFF’s mission to provide actionable data and thought leadership in the AI era. By identifying strengths and gaps in global AI talent ecosystems, the report aims to inform smarter, more inclusive approaches to future workforce development.