How Copyright Frameworks Influence AI Competitiveness
The economic importance of flexible copyright regimes for AI training in APAC.
This report examines how copyright frameworks shape the environment for artificial intelligence (AI) model training across seven APAC countries and the implications for innovation, investment, and economic competitiveness.
AI could add up to USD 6 trillion to global GDP over the next decade, but policy choices will shape where those gains are realised. Drawing on a legal benchmarking framework and an assessment of AI ecosystem performance, this report explores how different copyright frameworks may influence countries’ ability to develop and deploy AI capabilities.
Our analysis finds that countries with clearer and more flexible copyright frameworks that do not constrain AI training tend to perform more strongly across key dimensions of the AI value chain, particularly in AI research and development. The findings suggest that legal clarity can help strengthen the conditions needed to attract investment, talent, and supporting infrastructure, especially for frontier AI development.
At the same time, the report finds that copyright policy is only one component of a successful AI ecosystem. Infrastructure, talent, investment, and broader ecosystem conditions remain critical determinants of long-term outcomes. Countries that combine legal certainty with strong ecosystem fundamentals appear best positioned to capture the economic benefits of AI.
The report also highlights the risks associated with restrictive or uncertain frameworks. Legal uncertainty may discourage AI investment and innovation, while potentially widening gaps between AI leaders and emerging adopters. As governments across APAC seek to capture the opportunities presented by AI, copyright frameworks are becoming an increasingly important consideration in shaping future competitiveness.
The experts behind the research
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James LambertDirector of Economic Consulting, Asia
James is the Director of Oxford Economics’ economic consulting services in Asia.
James moved to this role from Oxford Economics’ London office, where he headed up a team dedicated to exploring the economic impact of technology. He delivered high profile studies on the growth of the digital economy, the impact of automation and the implications for the labour market.
Prior to joining Oxford Economics, James spent over six years in the Government Economics Service. He worked in economics teams of the Cabinet Office, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for Transport. There, he gained experience in microeconomic analysis and impact assessment as well as international macroeconomics, economic risk analysis and energy security. In the FCO, James spent three years working on economic issues in East and South East Asia. He also previously worked for the International Labour Organization.
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Vasilis DouzenisAssociate Director, Economic Impact
Vasilis joined Oxford Economics in 2021 from PwC’s Global Fiscal Policy Advisory team. He has more than ten years of experience as a professional economist having worked for an investment bank, a boutique economic consultancy and the international association of mobile operators.
Vasilis has managed a significant number of studies assessing the economic impacts of policy for different sectors and has led milestone studies looking at the impact of AI technology on business productivity and on consumers.
Vasilis holds a BSc (Honours) in Economics from the University of Warwick, a MSc in Risk Management from the LSE, a MPhil in Economics from the University of Cambridge and has obtained the CFA charter.
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Qi Yu ChanEconomist, Economic Consulting, Asia
Economist, Economic Consulting, Asia
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