How to close the AI capability overhang between countries

AI technology is advancing rapidly, but many countries have not been able to fully utilize its potential. As the capability overhang grows between countries that actively utilize the technology and those that do not, there is a risk that economic and technological imbalances will deepen.

According to recent research, typical power users go beyond simple prompt input to perform complex multi-step tasks, utilizing about 7x more advanced thinking capabilities than general users. This gap is evident not only by income level but also clearly by country, with countries such as Vietnam and Pakistan showing high levels of data analysis and agentic tools utilization.

To narrow this gap, OpenAI is expanding its OpenAI for Countries initiative. Starting in 2026, it plans to broaden the scope of support to various fields including education, health, AI skills training and certification, disaster response, cybersecurity, and startup accelerators.

In particular, through the Education for Countries program, it helps governments integrate AI into their education systems. Currently, Estonia, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Jordan, Slovakia, Kazakhstan, Trinidad and Tobago, and Italy (CRUI) are participating as initial partners, building AI tools and certification programs for students and educators.