Regulating Artificial Intelligence for Inclusive Development: Policy Lessons from Emerging Economies

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in governance and development processes, emerging economies face the challenge of regulating its use to promote inclusive outcomes rather than exacerbate inequalities. This study investigates how these countries approach AI regulation amid institutional, technological, and socio-economic constraints. Using a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed studies published between last five-year, the article explores the alignment of national policies with global ethical frameworks, the role of institutional capacity, and the effectiveness of participatory regulatory models. The findings reveal that most emerging economies rely on non-binding ethical principles and imported regulatory templates, often without sufficient localization or enforcement capacity. Through thematic synthesis, the article highlights the risks of regulatory fragmentation and exclusion, while identifying promising practices such as co-produced governance and regional cooperation. The study contributes by offering context-specific insights into the regulatory landscape and proposing pathways toward inclusive, enforceable, and adaptive AI governance