Chile has emerged as the leader in the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA) 2024, with a score of 73.07, followed by Brazil and Uruguay. The study highlights significant progress in AI talent concentration regionally, while noting that challenges remain, including talent retention and equitable participation in AI development. The findings underscore the potential of AI to drive innovation across key sectors and the necessity for comprehensive policies to foster its ethical use.
On September 24, 2024, Chile’s National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA), in collaboration with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), announced the findings of the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA) 2024. This extensive study assessed the AI readiness of 19 Latin American nations, with Chile emerging as the leader, achieving a score of 73.07 out of a possible 100 points. Following Chile were Brazil, which scored 69.30, and Uruguay with 64.98 points. The report noted significant advancements in AI talent across the region, which has doubled during the past eight years. However, it also acknowledged that Latin American countries still lag behind their counterparts in the Global North regarding AI workforce integration. The initiative identified Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay as the frontrunners in AI implementation. These countries have made substantial strides not only in adopting AI technologies but also in strategic national planning to enhance these initiatives across diverse sectors of their economies and societies. The conducive environment in these nations promotes research, development, and innovative applications of AI. Aisén Etcheverry, Chile’s Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation, stated the importance of such indices for guiding effective policies: “Having an index of this kind helps us move forward with sound policies and is critical for the success of these strategies.” ECLAC’s Acting Deputy Executive Secretary, Javier Medina Vásquez, highlighted that AI holds potential as a transformative force for the region, which can address significant challenges in areas such as health, education, and environmental management, while also warning that improper management of AI could exacerbate existing socioeconomic inequalities. European Union representatives emphasized their commitment to fostering a human-centered digital transformation in Latin America through partnerships such as the EU-LAC Digital Alliance, placing artificial intelligence among their top priorities. CENIA’s manager Rodrigo Durán pointed out that generative AI could significantly enhance Chile’s economy, predicting a potential USD$3.381 billion impact from integrating AI tools into key job sectors. Furthermore, while Latin America has made progress in developing AI talent, a brain drain persists, with only Costa Rica and Uruguay effectively retaining talent. The findings also indicated variances in AI capabilities among the assessed countries. For instance, while regions like Mexico and Brazil excelled in sectors such as high-tech job creation and patenting, Chile, Uruguay, and Costa Rica positioned themselves favorably in terms of entrepreneurial environments and private investments in AI-driven startups. Governance initiatives in Chile have fostered comprehensive public policies focused on ethical AI adoption, demonstrating a mature legal framework conducive to technological implementation. However, challenges remain, including promoting equitable participation of women in AI research, which necessitates tailored policies aimed at gender inclusion. The event marked the unveiling of ILIA 2024, which included discussions from international AI experts and presentations of successful AI applications by tech giants such as Google, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft. Overall, the study underscored the notable progress made in the Latin American AI landscape and the opportunities that lie ahead, while also acknowledging the critical need for an inclusive approach to ensure the equitable development of the technology across the region.
The Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA) serves to assess the readiness and maturity of AI technologies across various countries in Latin America. It evaluates multiple dimensions, including technological infrastructure, governance, research and development, and talent cultivation. This ongoing initiative aims to guide national strategies in implementing AI effectively, thereby fostering innovation and economic growth. The 2024 edition has placed a spotlight on Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay as leaders in the space, providing valuable insights into the current state of AI in the region and the potential for future advancements.
In conclusion, the ILIA 2024 findings underscore Chile’s leadership in the Latin American AI landscape, setting a standard for other nations in terms of strategic integration and development of artificial intelligence technologies. While significant advancements have been made, ongoing challenges related to talent retention and equitable participation in AI initiatives persist, highlighting the need for continued efforts toward inclusive policies and investment in AI infrastructure and research. The potential for AI to drive innovation and economic growth across Latin America remains substantial, contingent upon the region’s response to emerging challenges and opportunities.
Original Source: www.cepal.org
