AI Index

The mission of the AI Index is to provide unbiased, rigorously vetted, and globally sourced data for policymakers, researchers, journalists, executives, and the general public to develop a deeper understanding of the complex field of AI. To achieve this, we track, collate, distill, and visualize data relating to artificial intelligence.

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Explore the 2026 AI Index Report

This year's Index reveals a widening gap between what AI can do and how prepared we are to manage it. While AI continues its rapid integration into the global economy – with technical capabilities improving, investment accelerating, and adoption spreading – the frameworks needed to govern, evaluate, and understand this technology are falling behind. In a field where data transparency is declining, independent, rigorous measurement has never been more critical. This report provides the most comprehensive analysis of AI's trajectory available.

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AI’s influence on society has never been more pronounced.

At Stanford HAI, we believe AI is poised to be the most transformative technology of the 21st century. But its benefits won’t be evenly distributed unless we guide its development thoughtfully. The AI Index offers one of the most comprehensive, data-driven views of artificial intelligence. Recognized as a trusted resource by global media, governments, and leading companies, the AI Index equips policymakers, business leaders, and the public with rigorous, objective insights into AI’s technical progress, economic influence, and societal impact.

Recognized Globally

The AI Index is recognized globally as one of the most credible and authoritative sources for data and insights on artificial intelligence.

Previous editions have been cited in major newspapers, including the The New York Times, Bloomberg, and The Guardian, have amassed hundreds of academic citations, and been referenced by high-level policymakers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, among other places. This year’s edition surpasses all previous ones in size, scale, and scope, reflecting the growing significance that AI is coming to hold in all of our lives.

Who We Are

The AI Index program is an independent initiative at the Stanford HAI. The program is a collaborative effort led by the AI Index Steering Committee, an interdisciplinary group of experts from across academia and industry. See All People

Ray Perrault

Co-Chair, AI Index Steering Committee | Affiliate Fellow, Stanford HAI | Distinguished Computer Scientist, SRI International

Yolanda Gil (Chair-Elect)

Affiliate Fellow, Stanford HAI | Fellow and Director of AI and Data Science Initiatives, Information Sciences Institute / Research Professor of Computer Science and Spatial Sciences, University of Southern California

Erik Brynjolfsson

Jerry Yang and Akiko Yamazaki Professor | Senior Fellow, Stanford HAI | Senior Fellow, SIEPR | Professor, by courtesy, of Economics; of Operations, Information & Technology; and of Economics at the Stanford Graduate School of Business

Jack Clark

Co-Founder, Anthropic

Evaluating AI Progress and Impact

We write about the progress and impact of artificial intelligence through a cross-sector lens, from research and development to technical performance, the economy, education, policy, and more.

Measurement in AI Policy: Opportunities and Challenges

As artificial intelligence increasingly influences our world, it becomes crucial to assess its technical progress and societal impact. This paper surveys problems and opportunities in the measurement of AI systems and their impact, based on a workshop held at Stanford University in the fall of 2019. We identify six summary challenges inherent to measuring the progress and impact of AI, and summarize over 40 presentations and associated discussions from the workshop. We hope this can inspire research agendas in this crucial area.

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Judicial Decision Data Collection

On a research project regarding the application of AI-relevant regulatory frameworks, the AI Index is collaborating with Dr. Elif Kiesow Cortez who founded and leads the AI & LegTech Lab of The Hague University of Applied Sciences. The project aims to improve predictability and legal certainty for providers and users of AI technology via a judicial decision database.

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Support Our Work

Stanford HAI relies on philanthropic support as it pursues its mission. Unrestricted gifts and pledges to support Stanford HAI, including AI Index, may be made online.

Contact

Sha Sajadieh

AI Index Lead

We welcome feedback and new ideas for our annual reports and the Global AI Vibrancy Tool at shahed@stanford.edu

Want To Understand The Current State Of AI? Check Out These Charts.

MIT Technology Review

Apr 13

Media Mention

"If you’re following AI news, you’re probably getting whiplash. AI is a gold rush. AI is a bubble. AI is taking your job. AI can’t even read a clock. The 2026 AI Index from Stanford University’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, AI’s annual report card, comes out today and cuts through some of that noise."

Inside the AI Index: 12 Takeaways from the 2026 Report

Shana Lynch

Apr 13

News

The annual report reveals a field hitting breakthrough capabilities while raising urgent questions about environmental costs, transparency, and who benefits from the technology.

Stanford HAI’s AI Index Welcomes Six New Steering Committee Members

Stanford HAI staff

Jan 20

Announcement

Renowned leaders in AI, medicine, and ethics join interdisciplinary committee guiding the world’s leading resource on AI trends.

How Stanford HAI Defines Human-Centered AI With Executive Director Russell Wald

Technovation

May 08

Media Mention

In this podcast, HAI Executive Director Russell Wald explores how universities, policymakers, and industry must collaborate to keep AI human-centered. Wald shares takeaways from the AI Index, explains how China is narrowing the performance gap, and outlines why academic institutions are vital to ethical AI leadership.

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