Artificial intelligence (AI) has become one of the key drivers of technological and economic development, with a growing impact on society, industry, and science. Although AI adoption is expanding rapidly, its development and implementation largely depend on various social, economic, and technical factors that differ from country to country. This paper analyzes how gross domestic product (GDP), public and private sector investments, educational infrastructure, technological readiness, and government strategies influence AI development. The study provides a comparative overview of leading countries in AI adoption and their key success factors, with a particular focus on Croatia’s position in the global context. It examines public and private investments in AI, the number of research publications and innovations, the percentage of highly educated AI professionals, and public perceptions of AI in different cultures and societies. The goal of the research is to understand the causal relationships between these factors and AI development and to offer recommendations for improving strategies in countries that are lagging in this field. Methodologically, the study relies on the analysis of relevant sources, statistical data, global AI development indices, and scientific research. The results show a strong correlation between a country's economic development, investments in research and education, and progress in AI. Countries with high GDP and strong technological sectors, such as the United States and China, lead in AI innovation and implementation. On the other hand, Croatia, while making some progress, faces challenges such as insufficient investment, weaker research infrastructure, and limited educational resources in the AI field. In conclusion, the study highlights the need for stronger strategic investments in AI, better integration of academia and industry, and the creation of a favorable regulatory framework that would enable the accelerated development and application of AI technologies. It also emphasizes the importance of changing public perceptions of AI and the need for continuous education to better prepare society for upcoming technological changes.