Capacity Building
Collaborative development of capabilities to address disparities in AI readiness among economies.
How the laws define this
These frameworks uniformly agree that capacity building involves developing essential human capital, skills, knowledge, and technological infrastructure to support artificial intelligence research, development, and use. They diverge primarily in their designated target groups and underlying policy objectives. For example, S.5050 focuses specifically on enhancing resources within institutions of higher education and research entities to foster cutting-edge research. Conversely, the APEC Artificial Intelligence (AI) Initiative (2026-2030) targets a broad spectrum from public sector personnel to MSMEs to resolve capability disparities among member economies. The Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy zeroes in on cultivating African talent and infrastructure to transform the region into an AI producer and innovator rather than just a consumer. Finally, the BRICS AI Cooperation Framework establishes a general mandate covering skills, institutions, education, and infrastructure for overall AI research and application.
Synthesised from the 4 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.
How jurisdictions differ
What is distinctive in each definition, binding law in force first.
| Jurisdiction | Instrument | Status | What is distinctive |
|---|---|---|---|
| African Union | Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy | In Force | Emphasizes Africa's specific needs to become a producer and innovator in AI, rather than just a consumer, focusing on continental self-reliance. |
| United States | S.5050 - A bill to support an interdisciplinary research community for the advancement of artificial intelligence and AI-powered innovation through partnerships and capacity building at certain institutions of higher education and other institutions, and for other purposes. | Proposed | Limits to academic and research institutions, emphasizing partnerships in higher education for AI research and innovation. |
| APEC | APEC Artificial Intelligence (AI) Initiative (2026-2030) | Adopted | Stresses inclusive participation across APEC economies, targeting public sector, businesses, and MSMEs to address disparities. |
| BRICS | BRICS Leaders' Statement on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence | Adopted | Focuses on strengthening institutions and knowledge for AI research, development, and application across BRICS nations. |
Definitions (4)
Capacity building is recognized as a key governance strategy within the APEC AI Initiative, specifically addressing the disparities in AI readiness and capabilities among member economies. It involves collaborative efforts to develop skills, knowledge, and infrastructure at all levels, from public sector personnel to MSMEs, to ensure meaningful and inclusive participation in AI transformation.
The process of developing and strengthening the skills, institutions, and knowledge required for effective AI research, development, and application. This includes education, training, and infrastructure development.
Capacity building refers to the development of AI skills, talent, research capabilities, and infrastructure necessary for Africa to become a producer and innovator in the AI space, rather than solely a consumer. This is crucial for Africa to leverage AI for development and achieve its ambitious goals.
Capacity building in the context of AI research involves investing in and developing the necessary infrastructure, human capital, and technological resources within institutions of higher education and other research entities. This aims to enhance their ability to conduct cutting-edge AI research and foster innovation.
Questions and answers
What does capacity building mean in the African Union's AI strategy?
It involves developing AI skills, talent, research capabilities, and infrastructure to position Africa as an AI producer and innovator. The Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy guides member states in ethical AI governance to support this.
How does the US bill define capacity building for AI?
It focuses on investing in infrastructure, human capital, and resources at universities and research institutions to advance AI research through partnerships.
In what ways do APEC and BRICS approaches to AI capacity building differ?
APEC targets inclusive growth across economies and sectors like MSMEs; BRICS emphasizes building skills and institutions for research, development, and ethical AI deployment.