What the 2024 Government AI Readiness Index Tells Us
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword, it’s shaping the future of how governments deliver services, design policies, and engage with citizens. But how prepared are public institutions to use this powerful technology effectively and ethically?
To answer this, Oxford Insights and Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) publish the Government AI Readiness Index, a yearly ranking of 193 countries. The index doesn’t just measure who’s building the flashiest algorithms, it evaluates a country’s readiness to use AI for the public good, through a balanced lens of governance, technology, and digital infrastructure.
How Does the Index Work?
The framework is built around three main pillars:
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Government – Are national strategies, ethical guidelines, and public sector innovation in place?
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Technology Sector – Is there a thriving ecosystem of startups, R&D, and private innovation?
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Data & Infrastructure – Can AI systems be supported with accessible data and reliable digital networks?
Each pillar is scored from 0 to 100. The closer a country is to 100, the more equipped it is to use AI effectively in governance, while protecting rights and ensuring equity.
Eastern Europe: Digital Infrastructure Is Strong, Innovation Lags Behind
In 2024, Eastern Europe ranks 4th out of 9 global regions, after North America, Western Europe and East Asia, with an average score of 57.88, well above the global average of 47.59. The region is particularly strong in:
✅ Data & Infrastructure (72.10) – reflecting investments in broadband, open data portals, and digital government tools
✅ Government (62.52) – many countries have AI strategies and digital reform agendas
But there’s a clear weakness:
⚠️ Technology Sector (39.03) – innovation ecosystems are underdeveloped, with fewer AI startups, limited funding, and less collaboration between academia and industry.
Estonia stands out as the regional leader, ranking in the global top 25 with a score of 72.62. It proves that even smaller countries can punch above their weight with the right digital vision.
Romania’s Score: Progress in Policy, Gaps in Innovation
Romania ranks 58th globally, with a total score of 58.08, just slightly above the regional average. Here’s how the country performs across the three pillars:
✅Government (69.25)
A significant win for Romania this year is the launch of the National AI Strategy in July 2024. The strategy sets ambitious goals: using AI to boost competitiveness, modernize the public sector, and ensure ethical adoption. This puts Romania on the map in terms of digital policy leadership in the region.
✅Data & Infrastructure (64.58)
Thanks to growing digital investments, Romania performs well in this area. Projects in cloud computing, broadband access, and open data are contributing to an increasingly AI-ready infrastructure.
⚠️Technology Sector (40.41)
This remains the biggest hurdle. Romania lags in private-sector AI innovation, R&D funding, and the growth of startups. While tech talent exists, more support is needed to convert ideas into scalable solutions.
What’s Next? Turning Strategy into Impact
Romania’s government has shown clear intent, but intent must be matched with execution.
To truly lead in AI readiness, Romania needs to:
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Invest in digital skills and leadership maturity, especially in the public sector
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Strengthen the innovation ecosystem, supporting startups and R&D
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Encourage partnerships between government, academia, and industry
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Use EU resources wisely, including funding through the Digital Europe Programme, Recovery Plan, and European Digital Innovation Hubs
As the EU moves forward with the AI Act, AI Continent Plan and other digital policies, Romania has a unique window of opportunity to shape its digital future, not just catch up.