The ILIA 2024 reaffirms Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay as AI leaders in Latin America, demonstrating significant progress in enabling factors, research, and governance. Chile leads with 73.07 points, followed by Brazil and Uruguay. While the region is experiencing growth in AI talent, disparities with the Global North persist. Continued focus on infrastructure and innovation is needed to sustain momentum and ensure equitable AI development.
The Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA) 2024 has reaffirmed Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay as the leading nations in AI development in the region. These countries, classified as “pioneers,” demonstrated substantial advancements across three key dimensions: enabling factors, research and development, and governance. They excelled particularly in technological infrastructure, skill acquisition, scientific output, and innovative practices.
In a presentation on September 24, 2024, Chile’s National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA) and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) shared findings from this year’s ILIA study, which covered 19 Latin American nations. Chile ranked first with a score of 73.07, followed by Brazil (69.30) and Uruguay (64.98). Others in the “adopters” category include Argentina (55.77), Colombia (52.64), and Mexico (51.40).
Despite an overall increase in AI talent concentration within the workforce over the past eight years, no Latin American nation has yet matched the levels seen in the Global North at the beginning of that period. The pioneers—Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay—are also aligning their national strategies with the expansion and integration of AI technologies across economic and societal sectors, backed by supportive governance and innovation-focused environments.
Aisén Etcheverry, Chile’s Minister of Science, remarked, “Having an index of this kind helps us move forward with sound policies… the future they imagine is full of fears about AI replacing them. We are proud to be in a good position, which means we have prepared as a State. The challenges are infinite and having a tool like this is fundamental.”
ECLAC’s Javier Medina Vásquez highlighted that AI can significantly drive progress in overcoming underlying development challenges in Latin America, emphasizing its potential in sectors like health and education. He cautioned, however, that without proactive investment in infrastructure and education, existing socioeconomic disparities could widen.
Claudia Gintersdorfer, the EU Ambassador in Chile, stated that the EU-LAC Digital Alliance is central to fostering digital transformation, particularly in AI, suggesting that cooperative efforts are crucial for mutual growth in the digital landscape.
Rodrigo Durán from CENIA pointed out that integrating generative AI tools in key employment sectors in Chile could boost economic growth significantly. However, he noted the ongoing challenge of talent retention, despite rising specialized human resources in the region.
Chile remains at the forefront regarding AI-related publications and active researchers, with Uruguay also showing notable strengths in infrastructure and talent. Meanwhile, Brazil is recognized for its R&D capabilities, though it struggles in governance aspects related to AI initiatives.
The ILIA findings indicated that as AI continues to be harnessed for regional development, it could drive innovation in diverse sectors, including green energy and advanced manufacturing. However, gender disparities in participation within AI research persist, indicating the need for policies addressing these inequalities.
The ILIA 2024 launch event featured notable stakeholders and discussions on successful AI initiatives, demonstrating the practical impacts and collaborative potential of adapting AI for various applications. Practical examples included connectivity projects and educational tools, indicating promising advancements in the AI ecosystem across Latin America.
This year’s ILIA report reinforces the competitive positioning of Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay in AI development while underscoring the necessity for ongoing commitment to addressing regional challenges and maximizing the benefits of AI technologies.
Moving forward, countries are encouraged to harness AI’s potential while addressing existing gaps in governance, equity, and infrastructure.
The ILIA 2024 has solidified the status of Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay as AI pioneers in Latin America, reflecting their advancements in critical areas such as infrastructure, talent development, and governance. While these countries present a promising landscape for AI growth and innovation, challenges remain, especially regarding talent retention and equitable participation in AI research. Continued commitment to investment, policy development, and collaboration will be essential to maximizing the benefits of AI technology in the region.
Original Source: www.cepal.org
