WGS 2026: New Tool Launched to Help Governments Scale Artificial Intelligence Impact and Readiness
Bain & Company, in collaboration with the World Governments Summit (WGS), has introduced the AI Readiness Tool. This innovative platform is designed to assist government bodies in evaluating their current artificial intelligence preparedness while identifying specific, actionable steps to accelerate adoption and increase overall impact.
The debut of this resource occurred during the WGS 2026 in Dubai, which took place between February 3 and 5, with the primary goal of enhancing the global capacity of governments to leverage the transformative power of AI.
Solving the AI Scaling Challenge
According to data from the “MIT State of AI in Business 2025 Report”, only 5 percent of AI pilots deployed manage to scale successfully and generate quantifiable returns. This statistic indicates that the core issue is not a lack of vision but rather a deficiency in the foundational infrastructure necessary for implementing AI effectively and responsibly.
To address this challenge, the AI Readiness Tool was developed based on Bain’s latest research to measure organizational maturity across five critical dimensions:
- AI Strategy
- Use Case Development and Deployment
- Technology and Data
- Talent and Capabilities
- Governance and Operating Model
Mapping AI Readiness Levels
Organizations are categorized into four distinct levels of readiness based on their performance in these pillars:
- Strategic Shaper
- Value Explorer
- Early Explorer
- Foundation Builder
This classification provides a transparent perspective on current progress and highlights the most critical areas for further development. Government agencies undergo a formal evaluation consisting of 34 specific questions. Upon completion, the tool generates a comprehensive readiness score, detailed diagnostic data for each pillar, and customized suggestions aimed at bridging existing gaps and advancing the AI journey.
Optimizing AI Governance Frameworks
By integrating benchmarking and diagnostics with practical advice, the tool empowers decision-makers to focus their investments, enhance governance structures, and act with greater certainty. “The AI Readiness Tool provides government leaders with a clear and practical way to understand where they stand on their AI journey,” stated Wissam Yassine, Partner at Bain & Company and leader of the Bain Middle East Sustainability practice.
“By offering targeted insights across key dimensions, the tool helps organizations concentrate on the capabilities that are most crucial for unlocking AI’s full potential and improving government services and outcomes.”
Navigating the AI Roadmap
Upon completion of the evaluation, participants receive a detailed scorecard that compares their organization to industry peers, along with a bespoke roadmap for scalable and responsible AI integration. This initiative underscores Bain & Company’s ongoing commitment to assisting global governments in utilizing AI for enhanced operational efficiency, innovation, and the development of citizen-focused services.
The platform is currently accessible to any government entity aiming to translate their AI goals into lasting, tangible results.
