Chile leads the 2024 Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA) with a score of 73.07, followed by Brazil and Uruguay. While the region shows improvement in AI talent, it still trails the Global North. The report emphasizes the need for continued investment and equitable participation in AI development. Significant challenges and opportunities remain for the region to harness AI for socio-economic advancement despite the progress made.
The 2024 edition of the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA) was unveiled on September 24, 2024, by Chile’s National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA) in collaboration with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). The index evaluated 19 countries, with Chile emerging at the forefront, scoring 73.07 points. Brazil and Uruguay trailed with scores of 69.30 and 64.98 points, respectively. Despite a gradual increase in AI talent concentration across the region over the past eight years, the report indicates that these countries are still lagging behind their Global North counterparts. The pioneer nations, Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay, are advancing in the implementation of AI technologies through comprehensive national strategies that aim to integrate AI across various sectors, fostering innovation and research. Minister Aisén Etcheverry commented on the importance of this index for shaping effective policies and addressing public concerns regarding AI’s impact on employment, elaborating on the profound changes this technology will bring to society. Meanwhile, ECLAC’s Javier Medina Vásquez emphasized AI’s potential to drive innovation and address developmental challenges in the region but noted the risk of widening socioeconomic disparities without timely interventions. Additionally, the Croatian Ambassador in Chile, Claudia Gintersdorfer, highlighted the importance of the EU-LAC Digital Alliance which prioritizes AI as part of its agenda for digital transformation. CENIA’s Rodrigo Durán noted that advancements in generative AI could significantly enhance productivity across key occupations. The report also identified remaining challenges, particularly the underrepresentation of women in AI fields and the need for continued investment in talent development and infrastructure. The launch event featured discussions surrounding successful AI applications in various sectors, further enhancing the relevance and urgency of the findings. Overall, Chile demonstrated considerable progress across various indicators, including technological infrastructure, human capital, and governance, while the report outlined specific areas necessitating further attention within the region.
The Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA) is an analytical tool developed to assess and compare the level of preparedness of countries in Latin America regarding artificial intelligence (AI). The 2024 iteration of this index has involved a multi-dimensional evaluation of AI-related developments in 19 nations, focusing on key areas such as research, adoption, governance, and human talent development. Countries are scored and ranked based on these dimensions, allowing for an insightful review of their capabilities and challenges in harnessing AI technology effectively. With AI being a pivotal factor in global development, the ILIA serves not only as a comparative benchmark but also as a foundation for informing policy and investment decisions across the region.
The second edition of the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA 2024) reaffirms Chile’s leadership in AI preparations within the region, highlighting its substantial investments in technology, talent development, and strategic governance approaches. While progress is evident, notably in pioneering nations like Brazil and Uruguay, significant challenges remain, particularly regarding equitable participation in AI initiatives and maintaining urgency in investments. The insights from ILIA underscore the critical need for collaborative regional efforts to leverage AI as a tool for socio-economic growth while addressing the potential risks associated with its adoption.
Original Source: www.cepal.org
