As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shape economies and workplaces around the world, the ability of young people to use AI tools effectively has become a key marker of future competitiveness.
After all, what use is advanced technology is we don’t know how to use it?
A recent study conductedby iSharing, a family location tracking app, analysed over 120 countries to assess just how prepared younger generations are for an AI-driven future. The report looked at technology and science skills, innovation integration and digital infrastructure to produce a global ranking.
In First Place, Singapore
Singapore ranks first globally in AI preparedness among young people.
With over a third of recent university graduates (36.3%) specialising in technology, engineering, science or mathematics (that is, STEM subects), Singapore’s digital infrastructure is also the most developed in the world. The country’s youth scored 97.7 in ICT and 94% of the population uses the Internet, highlighting strong access to and familiarity with digital tools.
The ICT rank is a reflection of the ICT Development Index (IDI), a measure published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that is responsible for assessing the extent to which a country’s telecommunications connectivity is “universal and meaningful.
The high level of AI readiness in Singapore reflects not only formal education but also everyday fluency with technology. A spokesperson from iSharing commented:
“Children growing up in these countries aren’t just comfortable with technology, they’re fluent with it, and it can help their parents a lot. An entire generation is being trained to navigate digital and AI tools the way previous generations learned to drive. The parents in these digitally advanced countries also adopt safety technology faster because their kids already understand how it works and what it’s for. When a 14-year-old can update the app or set up their own safe zones without help, that contributes a lot to family safety.”
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Strong European Contenders
Germany takes second place, with one in five recent university graduates specialising in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. The country actually follows pretty closely behind Singapore in terms of digital infrastructure and AI preparedness, with 94% of the population using the Internet, according to iSharing’s report.
Finland, meanwhile, ranks third thanks to its exceptionally strong education in information and communication technology (ICT), scoring 98.7 in 2025, the highest among the top 10 countries. While significantly fewer young people in Finland focus on STEM subjects (about 18% of Finnish graduates), its AI preparedness remains high due to the country’s openness to innovation in workplaces and daily life.
Estonia comes in fourth, benefiting from one of the world’s most developed digital infrastructures and strong ICT skills, scoring 98.5 in 2025, with 17.5% of graduates in STEM fields. Austria rounds out the top five, with high internet penetration at 95% and a growing number of students choosing technology and science subjects. With great access to and use of the internet, this is a promising sign that Austria will continue to improve in its AI and tech education in the coming years.
So, what is it exactly that makes these countries so successful in this regard?
Well, according to iSharing, it all starts with a combination of solid infrastructure in conjunction with skill development, creating a strong foundation for AI fluency among youth.
What Makes These Countries Different?
The study assessed six factors influencing technological development and education: ICT ranking, internet penetration, the rate of tertiary graduates in STEM fields, digital infrastructure and overall AI preparedness. The final score is a reflection of both the technical environment within the country, as well as the skills young people need to thrive in AI-integrated societies. Indeed, these high scores show a combination of both – a balance between having the technology available and knowing how to use it.
Also, these countries aren’t just teaching students how to use technology – they’re actually developing fluency.
As iSharing notes, children in these nations are learning AI and digital tools in a way that allows them to apply skills safely and independently, even helping their own families manage technology.
This dual approach of infrastructure and education positions them as global leaders in preparing the next generation for AI-driven workplaces – it’s the whole “teach a man to fish”, story.
Preparing for the Future Beyond Mere Numbers
The study highlights that preparing young people for AI isn’t just about access to devices or coding skills. It’s also about cultivating practical understanding, curiosity and adaptability.
Countries like Singapore, Germany, Finland, Estonia and Austria show how combining STEM education with advanced digital infrastructure allows youth to experiment, learn and integrate AI tools into everyday life effectively. This approach allows for continuous development and growth, which is pushed by a group of young people motivated to always push for more.
As AI continues to reshape industries, nations that invest in digital literacy and STEM education for youth will most likely be the ones that thrive in an increasingly automated and technology-driven world.
Success in the future is very much dependent on how nations start preparing now.
