A Global Perspective on the Status of Artificial Intelligence and the Sustainable Development Goals: A Multivariate Analysis

This paper uses the Global AI Index and the SDG Index to examine the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while also analysing several dimensions of Sustainable Development. The sample used accordingly is composed of 60 countries from different regions and geographical areas in 2023. The technique chosen is Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA), which is particularly appropriate for analysing several blocks of quantitative variables observed on the same set of statistical units. The results show that the AI block related to structural conditions—infrastructure, government strategy, and operating environment—is closely related to performance in the SDGs, especially SDG 3 (good health and well‐being) and SDG 4 (quality education), by providing access to digital services, data, and technologies applied to health and education; to SDG 5 (gender equality) and SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), by introducing greater connectivity and territorial equity; to SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), through smart technologies for managing resources; to SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), by integrating digital infrastructures into smart energy networks; and to SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), given the part it plays in transparency, traceability, and institutional efficiency supported by digital technologies. In terms of geographical areas, Europe is noteworthy for being defined by high scores in the SDGs and a close alignment with AI's structural variables—infrastructure, government strategy, and operating environment. The prevalence of European countries in this area reflects a balanced performance in both sustainability and institutional capabilities for technological development. The leaders here include Finland, Sweden, and Denmark, not only in terms of compliance with the SDGs, but also because their environments favour the effective inclusion of AI in public policies.