The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is examining the growing connection between artificial intelligence, investment and industrial development as countries compete to build new technology-driven production capabilities.

A UNCTAD session titled “Artificial intelligence and investment in new industrialization” is being held on 9 September 2026 in Xiamen, China, as part of the Future Investment Conference 2026.

The discussion focuses on how AI and the infrastructure supporting it could become major drivers of industrial transformation. UNCTAD is bringing together policymakers, investors, financial institutions and technology companies to examine how AI-enabled manufacturing could change production models and investment patterns.

A major area of attention is the infrastructure required for the AI economy. The expansion of artificial intelligence depends on computing capacity, data infrastructure, telecommunications networks and reliable access to technology. UNCTAD’s session is therefore examining how countries can develop these foundations while attracting investment.

The organization is also looking at the financing requirements of AI-driven industrialization. Discussions are covering ways to connect capital, technology and regulation so that investment can support responsible development of AI-enabled industries.

The issue has particular importance for developing economies. Countries that can attract investment into digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing may have opportunities to strengthen domestic production and participate more effectively in emerging global value chains. At the same time, countries lacking computing infrastructure, capital or technological capabilities could face difficulties keeping pace.

The wider Future Investment Conference comes at a time when global investment patterns are being affected by geopolitical uncertainty, supply-chain concerns, technological competition and changing industrial strategies. UNCTAD says these factors are contributing to a new phase of structural adjustment in international investment.

The conference’s programme also includes discussions on private-equity investment, sustainable AI, healthcare investment and the ocean economy, demonstrating how technology is increasingly being considered alongside broader investment and development priorities.

UNCTAD’s latest discussion highlights a central question for policymakers: how can investment in artificial intelligence generate wider industrial and development benefits rather than remaining concentrated in a limited number of economies and companies?

As AI adoption expands, access to infrastructure, financing, skills and appropriate regulation is likely to play an increasingly important role in determining which economies benefit from the next phase of industrialization.