How does Latin America compare to other nations that have made progress in the development of artificial intelligence? While Latin America and the Caribbean are still working to accelerate their internet speeds, nations like the United States and China have advanced, proprietary AI models; they are also investing in the construction of new data centers and the expansion of existing ones.

Although the use of AI-based tools has increased in countries like Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia, the region is still far from matching the progress of North America, Europe, or Asia.

Despite the differences, “Latin America is not entirely out of this race. According to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the region accounts for 14 % of global visits to web-based artificial intelligence solutions and ranks third in the world in downloads of generative AI applications. The problem arises when we look at how much of this technology is developed and produced within the region.”

In figures, Latin America represents only 1.56 % of global spending on artificial intelligence, according to ECLAC. This is compounded by a shortage of specialized talent and limited investment in research, development, and intangible capital — crucial factors for the region to move from being a consumer to a creator of technology.

The Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index, developed by the National Center for Artificial Intelligence of Chile and ECLAC, evaluates 19 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean based on factors such as infrastructure, data, human talent, research, innovation, adoption, and governance. The analysis highlights important differences: the group formed by Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay has the most advanced ecosystems, while the group of Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic has made progress in connectivity, talent, and national AI strategies.

The challenge is not only technological but also encompasses indicators such as employment and productivity. “The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) estimates that widespread adoption of artificial intelligence could increase the economic output of Latin America and the Caribbean by 5.1 % over the next decade,” but this will depend on the ability of workers to adapt and move into growing sectors. In other words, the region needs to “close the gaps that still exist in connectivity and infrastructure and, at the same time, develop the talent capable of creating and using increasingly advanced systems.”

M.Pino

Source: france24

(Reference image source: Shantanu Kumar on Unsplash)

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