Enablers for the Effective Adoption of AI at the National and City Level

31st October 2025

This rapid evidence review collates available evidence on key enablers for the effective adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at national and city level in low- and middle-income countries.

The review draws upon an expanding evidence base that includes academic and grey literature. The evidence base is evolving with an increasing range of countries and cities rapidly adopting AI to address complex challenges associated with national and subnational decision making, with cities at the heart of this transformation.

The evidence notes, however, that whilst cities can be home to innovation, they can also be challenging locations in which to effect change.

Explore all K4DD outputs here.

Suggested Citation

Dut, A & Avis, W. (2025). Enablers for the Effective Adoption of AI at the National and City Level. K4DD Rapid
Evidence Review 312. Brighton, UK: Institute of Development Studies. DOI: 10.19088/K4DD.2025.116

Published

31st October 2025