AI Readiness and Sustainable Development: A Systems Perspective on Health, Education, Innovation, and Climate Action

ABSTRACT This study investigates how national artificial intelligence (AI) readiness influences sustainable development performance across four Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Good Health and Well‐Being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Climate Action (SDG 13). Using cross‐country data from the Oxford Insights AI Readiness Index and the Sustainable Development Report, we apply ensemble machine learning methods and select boosting based on predictive performance. SHAP values and Partial Dependence Plots reveal nonlinear and interaction effects across institutional, digital, and economic dimensions. The findings indicate that AI readiness functions as a strategic systems‐level capability with domain‐specific impacts. Data availability and ecosystem maturity shape health outcomes; digital infrastructure and economic scale influence education; technology sector strength supports innovation; and climate performance depends on economic–digital complementarities. The study positions AI capability as a structural enabler of national competitiveness and coordinated development strategy.