In October 2026, Xu YAO, Secretary-General of the Center for Global AI Innovative Governance and Associate Research Fellow at the Fudan Development Institute, published an article in Study Times exploring practical paths to inclusive AI development against the governance pain point of a persistently widening intelligence divide. The article points out that the global distribution of AI innovation resources is seriously unbalanced: developed countries dominate core algorithms and high-end computing power, while Global South countries suffer from weak infrastructure and limited innovation capacity; at the same time, older people, low-income groups and others face difficulties in using intelligent applications, and the monopoly of large technology companies over technology and data further exacerbates industrial polarization, leaving the intelligence divide at risk of becoming entrenched. YAO argues that bridging the intelligence divide must center on AI capacity building. First, uphold the people-centered, good-oriented development philosophy, embedding inclusiveness and inclusivity throughout technology R&D, application and governance to recalibrate the value coordinates of technological development. Second, build basic AI capabilities as a public good for the future: increase investment in computing networks, intelligent terminals and other infrastructure in less developed regions, remove unreasonable technological restrictions and controls, lower application barriers through open-source technologies, and focus on co-building localized capabilities around the livelihood needs of Global South countries rather than simply replicating mature solutions. Third, strengthen talent empowerment and institutional guarantees: improve a nationwide digital and AI literacy cultivation system, refine inclusive and accessible policy systems, lower the threshold for SMEs’ intelligent transformation, guide the R&D of inclusive AI products, and curb technological monopolies and the disorderly expansion of capital. Fourth, practice true multilateralism: improve global AI governance rules through the United Nations and other multilateral platforms, build an open, fair and non-discriminatory development environment, and developed countries should proactively shoulder their responsibilities to help the Global South close its development gaps. The article mentions that a number of AI governance and international cooperation initiatives proposed by China have produced demonstration results, confirming a governance approach that balances development and security. YAO emphasizes that inclusive AI development requires moving from tool accessibility to capability autonomy, enabling all countries and groups to participate equally in the development process and share the dividends of technology, so that AI truly becomes a common intellectual asset benefiting all humanity.

Translated by FDDI

Full text in Chinese available at:

https://fddi.fudan.edu.cn/1f/e5/c18965a794597/page.htm