A new report from Omdia, a leading technology research and advisory firm, reveals a significant and growing gap between the rapid evolution of AI technologies and the global efforts to regulate them. The report, titled “AI Regulation: Analysis of Global Policies and Regulatory Frameworks,” finds that governments and policymakers worldwide are scrambling to keep pace with the proliferation of sophisticated systems like generative, agentic, and sovereign AI.
According to Sarah McBride, Principal Analyst of Regulation at Omdia, the speed of AI’s development is reshaping regulatory frameworks faster than any previous technological wave. “Policymakers are attempting to balance the need for innovation with pressing ethical and security concerns,” McBride stated. The report highlights that while the European Union’s comprehensive AI regulatory framework is setting a global benchmark, many countries are still exploring more targeted, sector- or activity-specific approaches rather than broad, all-encompassing laws.
The report also identifies seven key regulatory challenges that must be addressed to effectively govern AI technologies. These include balancing direct AI regulations with existing legal frameworks to avoid stifling innovation, and the crucial need for ethical guidelines and technological sovereignty. Nations are making major strategic investments to accelerate AI development, such as the UK’s £14 billion action plan and the EU’s €20 billion dedicated to building AI “gigafactories,” demonstrating a dual focus on both control and growth.
In a surprising turn, the report notes a noteworthy shift where businesses are now actively seeking clearer regulatory guidance. Companies are increasingly calling for defined operational parameters to reduce uncertainty and foster a more stable environment for development. This potential for a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors could lead to more effective and balanced regulatory frameworks, signifying a maturation in the industry’s approach to governance. This collaborative effort could be key to closing the ever-widening gap between technological advancement and policy.
