Chile leads the 2024 Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index, scoring 73.07 points, with Brazil and Uruguay following. The study evaluated 19 countries’ AI preparedness, revealing improvements in AI talent concentration but highlighting disparities in comparison to Global North nations. The report emphasizes the need for investments and equitable participation in AI development within the region.
On September 24, 2024, Chile’s National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA) alongside the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) revealed the findings of the second edition of the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA 2024). This comprehensive study evaluated the AI preparedness of 19 Latin American countries, ranking them based on a maximum score of 100 points. Chile emerged as the leader with a score of 73.07 points, followed by Brazil at 69.30 points and Uruguay at 64.98 points. Other countries categorized as “adopters” included Argentina (55.77), Colombia (52.64), and Mexico (51.40). Despite significant progress in AI talent concentration within the workforce, with an overall twofold increase in the last eight years, no Latin American country matched the talent levels of their Global North counterparts at the start of the evaluation period. The top three countries—Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay—have committed to advancing AI technology across all sectors, fostering environments conducive to innovation and the adoption of AI solutions. Aisén Etcheverry, the Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation in Chile, emphasized the importance of the ILIA index in supporting the formulation of effective policies for AI integration. Further, ECLAC’s Acting Deputy Executive Secretary, Javier Medina Vásquez, noted that AI can drive development by tackling challenges across health, education, and environmental sectors while also warning about potential socioeconomic disparities if timely investments and regulations are not enforced. The EU-Latin America and Caribbean Digital Alliance was highlighted by Ambassador Claudia Gintersdorfer, who remarked on the strategic cooperation between the regions in fostering a human-centric digital transformation, with AI being a critical focus area. Rodrigo Durán, manager of CENIA, pointed out that incorporating generative AI within the 100 most critical job categories in Chile could potentially enhance economic growth significantly. Furthermore, while the growth of specialized human talent in AI remains low compared to the northern hemisphere, particular countries like Costa Rica and Uruguay have begun to attract more talent than they lose. Chile, Uruguay, and Costa Rica excelled in key dimensions vital for advancing AI, such as research, development, governance, and the fostering of technological infrastructure. The ILIA findings showed a promising trend in multidisciplinary AI publications, predominantly in fields like clinical medicine. Despite their achievements, countries in the region, including Chile, continue to grapple with challenges, especially concerning women’s representation in AI fields and the need for sustained investment in AI research and development.
The Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA) serves as a pivotal instrument for evaluating and comparing the readiness of various Latin American countries in integrating artificial intelligence into their economic and societal frameworks. The second edition of the ILIA highlights the advancements made particularly by Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay, known as pioneers in AI adoption. The ILIA offers insights into the evolving landscape of AI in Latin America, underscoring the region’s potential to leverage digital technologies for enhanced economic growth and social equity. The findings draw attention to areas needing improvement, particularly in talent retention, investment in research and development, and equitable participation in the tech domain.
In conclusion, the ILIA 2024 reinforces Chile’s status as a leader in artificial intelligence within Latin America, highlighting the progress made in cultivating technological infrastructure, human talent, and governance frameworks that support ethical AI use. The ongoing challenges necessitate a concerted effort to foster inclusivity and sustained investment in AI technologies across all sectors. Cooperation between countries in the region and international partners will be crucial in maximizing the benefits of AI, ensuring that it becomes a tool for equitable development rather than exacerbating existing disparities.
Original Source: www.cepal.org
