The Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA 2024) indicates that Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay are leading nations in AI readiness. The index assessed 19 countries and recognized these three as ‘pioneers’ due to their strong performance in enabling factors, research, development, and governance. The study highlights a need for further investment and policy enhancement to address ongoing challenges and to ensure equitable growth in AI development across Latin America.
The recent Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA 2024), presented by Chile’s National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA) and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) on September 24, 2024, confirms Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay as regional leaders in artificial intelligence (AI). These nations, classified as “pioneers,” excelled in areas crucial for AI advancement, including enabling factors, research and development, and governance. They achieved notable scores of 73.07, 69.30, and 64.98 points, respectively, out of a possible 100, outperforming other nations in the study, which assessed 19 countries overall.
This comprehensive study highlights that, despite progress in AI talent concentration—which has doubled in the region over the past eight years—Latin American countries still lag behind their Global North counterparts. The three pioneering nations are not only implementing AI technologies but are also developing comprehensive national strategies that integrate AI throughout various sectors of their economies and societies. They benefit from conducive environments that support continued innovation and adoption of these technologies.
The Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation of Chile, Aisén Etcheverry, emphasized the value of the index for developing sound policies and noted the urgency of preparing for the transformative potential of AI in society. ECLAC’s Acting Deputy Executive Secretary, Javier Medina Vásquez, highlighted AI’s ability to address critical regional challenges while warning of the risk it poses in exacerbating socioeconomic disparities.
Ambassador Claudia Gintersdorfer from the European Union in Chile noted the significance of the EU-Latin America and the Caribbean Digital Alliance in fostering joint digital transformation efforts, particularly in AI. Rodrigo Durán, manager of CENIA, pointed out that the introduction of generative AI tools could significantly boost economic growth by optimizing occupations in various sectors.
The findings demonstrate marked differences in AI development across the evaluated countries. Leaders such as Chile and Brazil showcased strong performances in research, infrastructure, and human talent, whereas countries like Mexico and Peru faced hurdles in governance and technological adoption. Meanwhile, the index also revealed significant opportunities for technology-driven economic growth and innovation in areas such as green energy and advanced manufacturing, stressing the necessity for targeted investments and policy development to ensure equitable growth.
The study drew attention to the need for equitable participation of women in AI research and development, advocating for the implementation of gender-sensitive policies. The event to launch this edition included insights from international experts and case studies from major tech companies illustrating practical AI applications that promise connectivity, educational enhancements, and environmental monitoring.
In conclusion, the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA 2024) underscores the advances made by Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay in establishing themselves as leaders in the field of AI within Latin America. The findings indicate significant progress in AI infrastructure and talent development while highlighting ongoing challenges related to gender equity and the potential widening of socioeconomic gaps. Continued investment and strategic policy development are vital for harnessing AI’s transformative potential in the region. Notably, the cooperation highlighted between the European Union and Latin America further emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts for digital transformation, particularly within AI. The need for sustained focus on equitable participation in AI development remains a critical concern for the future of these technologies in the region.
Original Source: www.cepal.org
