Observed Signal · Jan 21, 2026 · Research Study · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
KPMG Study: Europe Edges China in AI Capabilities
A new study by KPMG and the German AI Association (KI Bundesverband) examines the global distribution of AI power and outlines future scenarios for European AI sovereignty. The 'AI Geopolitics 2030' report introduces a Strategic AI Capability Index (SACI) comparing the US, Europe, and China across economic infrastructure, strategy and governance, and research and skills. The US leads with 75.2 points, while Europe scores 48.7 points, narrowly ahead of China's 48.2 points. Europe's strengths lie in governance and responsible AI, though fragmentation and slow commercialization hold the region back. China excels in industrial capabilities and hardware sovereignty but faces lower international openness and public trust. The study also presents four possible scenarios for the global AI architecture through 2040, including 'Federated Future', 'Platform Supremacy', 'Sovereign Blocs', and 'Algorithmic Convergence'.
The study provides a macro-level benchmark of AI capabilities across the US, Europe, and China, offering strategic insights relevant to AI infrastructure, governance, and investment decisions in the broader AdTech/MarTech ecosystem.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- KPMG and KI Bundesverband published the study 'AI Geopolitics 2030: The new power distribution through strategic AI sovereignty'.
- The US tops the Strategic AI Capability Index with 75.2 points, followed by Europe with 48.7 points and China with 48.2 points.
- The index is based on three pillars: economy and infrastructure, strategy and governance, and research, development and skills.
- Europe's strengths are in governance and responsible AI, while China leads in industrial capabilities and hardware sovereignty.
- The study outlines four future scenarios for global AI architecture through 2040.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mapped“Eine neue Studie von KPMG und dem KI Bundesverband hat ergeben, dass der europäische Raum, was KI-Fähigkeiten angeht, China knapp schlägt....”
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