New Research Explores Global Divide in AI Chip Ownership

AI chip distribution reveals global digital divide: New research uncovers a stark imbalance in the global distribution of advanced AI chips, highlighting the concentration of computational power in a handful of countries and its potential impact on AI development and governance.

Key findings of the study: A peer-reviewed paper, shared exclusively with TIME, maps the locations of publicly accessible GPU clusters worldwide, revealing significant disparities in AI infrastructure distribution.

• The United States and China lead in the number of GPU-enabled regions, with China having more overall but the U.S. dominating in the most advanced GPU availability.
• Only 30 countries worldwide have significant GPU presence, leaving much of the world in “Compute Deserts” with no access to hire GPUs.
• The U.S. has eight regions where the most advanced H100 GPUs are available for hire, while China has none publicly accessible.

Implications for AI governance and development: The concentration of AI infrastructure in specific countries raises concerns about global influence on AI development and regulation.

• Countries hosting AI infrastructure have greater power to enforce compliance with their regulations and shape AI development norms.
• Nations without local AI infrastructure may have limited legislative choices and less influence over AI’s future direction.
• This disparity could lead to a situation where countries in the “Compute South” become reliant on AI systems developed in the “Compute North” without having input into their design or operation.

Limitations of the study: The research provides valuable insights but has some notable constraints.

• The study only accounts for publicly accessible GPU clusters, excluding those owned by governments or private tech companies for internal use.
• It doesn’t consider non-GPU chips increasingly used in AI applications.
• The research counts compute “regions” rather than individual chips, due to the confidential nature of specific GPU distribution information.

Geopolitical implications: The findings underscore the growing importance of advanced chips in global competition and AI development.

• The U.S. and China are engaged in a race to accumulate high-end chips, with the U.S. imposing sanctions to limit China’s access to cutting-edge varieties.
• Despite sanctions, reports suggest a black market for restricted chips has emerged in China, with millions of dollars worth of chips allegedly smuggled into the country.

Global divisions in AI compute: The researchers propose a new framework for understanding global AI infrastructure distribution.

• “Compute North” refers to regions with the most advanced chips, primarily suited for both training and running AI systems.
• “Compute South” includes areas with older chips, capable of running but not training advanced AI systems.
• “Compute Deserts” are regions with no publicly accessible GPU clusters.

Potential consequences of the divide: The concentration of AI infrastructure in wealthy economies could have far-reaching effects on global technological development and economic inequality.

• This distribution mirrors existing patterns of global inequalities between the Global North and South.
• It may reinforce the economic, political, and technological power of “Compute North” countries.
• “Compute South” countries may face challenges in shaping AI research and development, potentially limiting their agency in the global AI landscape.

Analyzing deeper: The need for equitable AI development: The research highlights the critical importance of addressing the global AI infrastructure divide to ensure more inclusive and diverse AI development.

• Efforts to democratize access to AI compute resources could help prevent the entrenchment of existing global inequalities in the AI era.
• International cooperation and investment in AI infrastructure in underserved regions may be necessary to create a more balanced global AI ecosystem.
• As AI continues to shape various aspects of society and the economy, ensuring broader participation in its development becomes crucial for addressing global challenges and promoting equitable technological progress.