OpenAI’s new report Ending the Capability Gap reveals a widening capability overhang: power users employ roughly seven times more advanced “thinking capabilities” than average users. Across 70+ nations, per‑person AI use varies threefold, with Vietnam and Pakistan outpacing many wealthier peers, while the U.S., India, Singapore and the Netherlands lead in total users.

To narrow that gap, OpenAI launched OpenAI for Countries last year, offering tailored partnerships that embed AI into education, health, disaster response and startup ecosystems. At a World Economic Forum event, the firm announced 2026 expansions, including the Education for Countries program with pilots in Estonia, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Jordan, Slovakia, Kazakhstan, Trinidad & Tobago and Italy’s CRUI.

Governments now view AI as essential infrastructure; scaling enterprise use and building AI‑ready talent can unlock measurable productivity gains. OpenAI’s flexible model lets partners co‑design tools and certifications, aiming to translate capability growth into real‑world impact. Watch for rollout metrics from the pilot nations and broader adoption trends through 2027.