Differentiating artificial intelligence capability clusters in Australia

We demonstrate how cluster analysis underpinned by analysis of revealed technology advantage can be used to differentiate geographic regions with comparative advantage in artificial intelligence (AI). Our analysis uses novel datasets on Australian AI businesses, intellectual property patents and labour markets to explore location, concentration and intensity of AI activities across 333 geographical regions. We find that Australia's AI business and innovation activity is clustered in geographic locations with higher investment in research and development. Through cluster analysis we identify three tiers of AI capability regions that are developing across the economy: ‘AI hotspots’ (10 regions), ‘Emerging AI regions’ (85 regions) and ‘Nascent AI regions’ (238 regions). While the AI hotspots are mainly concentrated in central business district locations, there are examples when they also appear outside CBD in areas where there has been significant investment in innovation and technology hubs. Policy makers can use the results of this study to facilitate and monitor the growth of AI capability to boost economic recovery. Investors may find these results helpful to learn about the current landscape of AI business and innovation activities in Australia.