"Policy, Governance, and Technology: What Drives AI Readiness Globally?"

This study analyzes the determinants of national AI readiness across 155 countries from 2020 to 2024 using fixed effects panel regression. Results show that human capital, data availability, infrastructure, and innovation capacity are the strongest predictors of AI readiness. Leadership vision, governance ethics, and adaptability also have significant positive effects. The findings offer evidence-based policy recommendations to build resilient and future-ready AI strategies.