Chile has emerged as the leader in the second edition of the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA 2024), with a score of 73.07, followed by Brazil and Uruguay. The index highlighted substantial improvements in AI talent concentration, though no Latin American country has matched the levels of the Global North. Key challenges include equitable participation and sustained innovation investment. The study underscores AI’s transformative potential in addressing critical regional issues, requiring immediate policy interventions and collaborative efforts.
On September 24, 2024, Chile’s National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA) and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) unveiled the results of the second edition of the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA 2024). This comprehensive study analyzed the AI preparedness of 19 Latin American countries, highlighting Chile as the leading nation with a score of 73.07 points, followed closely by Brazil with 69.30 points and Uruguay at 64.98 points. The ILIA revealed considerable advancements in the regional concentration of AI talent, which has doubled over the past eight years. However, none of the evaluated countries have reached the talent levels witnessed in the Global North at the start of the evaluation period. The leading nations—Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay—are not only making headway in AI technology implementation but are also developing strategic national frameworks aimed at fostering the expansion of these technologies across sectors. These nations benefit from environments conducive to research, development, and innovation in AI. Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation Aisén Etcheverry remarked on the significance of such indices, stating, “Having an index of this kind helps us move forward with sound policies and is critical for the success of these strategies. […] The challenges are infinite and having a tool like this is fundamental.” Javier Medina Vásquez, ECLAC’s Acting Deputy Executive Secretary, noted that AI offers transformative potential for overcoming development obstacles in the region, addressing critical challenges in healthcare, education, and the environment. He emphasized the necessity for swift and decisive action to prevent widening socioeconomic disparities. Claudia Gintersdorfer, the Ambassador of the European Union in Chile, underscored the collaborative efforts between the EU and Latin America in shaping a human-centered digital transformation model, with AI being a priority in their agenda. The findings of ILIA 2024 also highlighted that incorporating generative AI into the roles of the 100 most significant jobs in Chile could boost economic growth by USD 3.381 billion. Despite gains in AI talent development, the region continues to experience talent drain, as highlighted by CENIA’s manager, Rodrigo Durán, with Chile emerging as the frontrunner in the stewardship of human talent in AI. While the three leading nations exhibit maturity across critical dimensions—Enabling Factors, Research, Development and Adoption, and Governance—they still face challenges. Women remain underrepresented in AI, necessitating policies promoting gender equity. Ensuring sustained resource allocation and urgency in AI research and implementation remains imperative for Chile and its regional counterparts. The launch event included notable figures and expert discussions regarding the growing importance of AI in the region, showcasing successful AI applications from leading corporations such as Google and Microsoft. Comparative findings from the study reveal that Chile leads in investment, publications, and active researchers, with neighboring Uruguay and Brazil showcasing their strengths in various dimensions while also identifying areas needing improvement. Overall, the ILIA serves as a vital tool to facilitate informed policymaking and innovative strategies to harness the potency of AI in enhancing societal and economic outcomes in Latin America.
The Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA) serves as a pivotal instrument for assessing the status of AI development and implementation across the region. This second edition, conducted by CENIA in collaboration with ECLAC, evaluates the **preparedness** of 19 countries, particularly measuring elements such as human talent, infrastructure, governance, and innovation. The responses to technological advancement signify not only economic growth opportunities but also pose challenges, particularly regarding equitable participation in the technology sector. As Latin America stands on the brink of a technological revolution, understanding the nuances of AI development within the region becomes crucial for future strategies and implementations.
In conclusion, the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA 2024) indicates Chile’s leadership in AI readiness, followed by Brazil and Uruguay. While regional improvements in AI talent and governance are apparent, significant challenges remain, particularly in addressing gender disparities and establishing robust frameworks for continued investment in AI research and technology. The collaborative efforts exemplified by the EU-LAC Digital Alliance further highlight the global interest in fostering a responsible and human-centric approach to AI deployment in the region.
Original Source: www.cepal.org
