This policy brief introduces the Smart Economy Readiness Index (SERI), a composite framework for assessing and benchmarking the readiness of BRICS+ economies to transition toward smart economic systems. The index evaluates national readiness across key dimensions, including education, digital infrastructure, research and development, innovation, and governance.

The analysis identifies four stages of smart economy readiness across BRICS+ economies. The UAE and China emerge as the most advanced, supported by strong digital infrastructure, innovation capabilities, and institutional coordination, while other economies demonstrate varying levels of readiness and face challenges related to infrastructure, human capital, innovation ecosystems, and governance. The findings also reveal considerable structural inertia, suggesting that without targeted policy intervention, countries are likely to remain within their existing readiness levels rather than transition naturally toward higher levels.

The brief highlights the importance of an integrated policy approach that aligns investments in human capital, digital connectivity, research and innovation, and institutional capacity. It proposes the Smart Economy Readiness Index (SERI) as a benchmarking tool to track national progress, support evidence-based policymaking, and guide strategic reforms. For BRICS+ economies, strengthening coordination across these areas will be critical to building more competitive, resilient, and inclusive smart economies.

AI governance is increasingly shaping economic opportunity and digital sovereignty. This roadmap outlines actionable policy directions to help the Arab region operate effectively within evolving governance frameworks while strengthening its ability to shape future norms—through clearer regulation, responsible AI mechanisms, cross-border alignment, and full-stack ecosystem enablers (infrastructure, talent, R&D, capital, and IP).

This policy brief examines the global evolution of decentralized governance models enabled by blockchain technology, focusing on how these systems can enhance transparency, participation, and accountability in managing digital commons. Drawing on case studies from

major blockchain networks—including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tezos, Cardano, Algorand, and the Internet Computer—the brief analyzes how decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and on-chain governance mechanisms are shaping new models of collective decision-making.

The analysis highlights key challenges such as limited participation, lack of expertise, conflict of interest, and resource management inefficiencies, alongside technological innovations that address these issues through mechanisms like parametric governance, delegated voting, incentive structures, and multi-layered oversight. The brief also explores emerging regulatory frameworks, including the U.S. Financial Innovation and Technology Act, and considers the growing intersection between blockchain governance and artificial intelligence.

The brief concludes with policy recommendations for leveraging decentralized governance principles within the public sector, including piloting blockchain-based participatory budgeting, adopting algorithmic audit trails, promoting polycentric governance structures, and establishing regulatory sandboxes for experimentation. Collectively, these insights offer practical pathways for building more transparent, resilient, and inclusive governance systems in the digital age.

The report provides an in-depth examination of the state of artificial intelligence (AI) governance and competitiveness across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It captures how Arab countries are adopting AI technologies, building digital infrastructure, and shaping regulatory frameworks to keep pace with global developments. Based on extensive fieldwork covering 327 AI and digital SMEs across ten countries, the study offers valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges shaping the region’s AI ecosystem.

Findings reveal that the UAE and Saudi Arabia are emerging as regional leaders in AI readiness, supported by strong infrastructure, investment, and policy direction, while other MENA countries continue to navigate fragmented regulations, limited funding access, and talent gaps. Despite these disparities, the report highlights growing optimism among businesses and a shared recognition of the role of AI in driving innovation and economic growth.

By emphasizing responsible governance, ethical frameworks, and regional cooperation, the report calls for strengthening AI education, research, and investment to bridge the AI divide and position the MENA region as a competitive and inclusive contributor to the global AI landscape. The study was developed in partnership with Google.org.