Harnessing AI Tools for Business: A Road Map for Developing Economies

A new report from the World Development Report series offers a framework to help developing countries avoid being left behind by artificial intelligence. The event, held at Stanford University’s Vidalakis Dining Hall in the United States, introduced the main themes of the 2026 edition of the report.

The report provides a clear roadmap for adopting AI without wasting scarce resources or deepening dependence on any single supplier. This is crucial because earlier technological revolutions have left much of the developing world behind.

According to the report, developing economies can capture AI’s benefits by following three key principles: adopt, adapt, and advance. The event featured presentations from members of the writing team, along with leading academic and policy leaders, on topics such as macroeconomic impacts, business and labor effects, promising applications in development settings, and government responses.

The report includes original research on adoption and government responses to AI’s impact. It also explores new frameworks for understanding AI’s influence alongside its potential benefits and drawbacks.