US analytics firm SAS plans to hitch AI to real economy

US-based analytics firm SAS plans to invest 1 billion yuan ($146 million) in artificial intelligence in the coming three years, with China a major target market where the company sees huge demand on the back of the Chinese government's emphasis on AI development, said one of its top executives.

"Through software innovation, education empowerment, and specialist service, we will continue to empower analysis-related industries and the country's real economy," said Gavin Day, senior vice-president of SAS.

He said that part of the investment will flow into SAS' research and development center in Beijing. The rest will be used to bridge the talent gap.