Mind the AI policy gap: a policy analysis across global funding bodies

Abstract Research funding bodies have significant influence on what research is prioritised, how it is conducted, and what standards are enforced. While a number of global frameworks provide normative guidance on AI ethics, there is a clear gap in understanding how these principles are implemented at the funding-body level. This study aims to examine the current AI policies and guidelines of research funding bodies across different geographical regions. Inductive thematic analysis was adopted to analyse 56 AI-related policies from 46 funding agencies across the US, the UK, Europe, Australia, Singapore, Mainland China, and Hong Kong. The analysis revealed five common themes: human-centredness, safeguarding, embeddedness, governance, and AI readiness. It was also found that current funding-specific policies lack explicit guidelines on how broad principles and macro-level regulations can be interpreted and applied in AI-enabled research funding processes. The findings underscore the important role of funding agencies as key actors in defining responsible AI use in research processes. Finally, the practical implications of this study for regulators, funding bodies, and researchers are discussed, highlighting the value of policy document analysis in shaping ethical, transparent, and responsible AI frameworks.