Created to assess the development of AI in Latin American countries, Chile’s National AI Center, with support from the IDB, CAF, OAS and Unesco, has compiled the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index.
The Latin American index was used to analyze 18 Latin American countries and obtained excellent results! We have compiled the main data obtained during the study. Read more about the index below.
What is the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index?
The Latin American index seeks to create a framework offering a detailed overview of each LATAM country with regards to its current state within the AI domain, identifying each specific strength and the areas that can be improved.
Additionally, the index aimed to offer a perspective for identifying spaces for collaboration and the exchange of best practices between LATAM countries, assisting in the sustainable and equitable growth of AI within the region.
This analysis is essential in making it easier for governments, companies, and other parties to issue decisions regarding the AI ecosystem in Latin America.
AI Research, Adoption and Development
Based on the results of the research carried out as part of the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index, it was proven that LATAM countries have presented a limited performance in relation to application and commercial development in the field of artificial intelligence.
Referring to demands for this technology, publications related to the use and progress made with regards to AI are highlighted in scientific journals, such as those published in the fields of biology, medicine, and the humanities. This diversity of studies is a testament to the versatility offered by AI tools.
Based on data from GitHub, Uruguay is the only country with high productivity and impact in terms of collaboration in the field of AI. Brazil and Mexico alone account for more than 95% of the region’s AI-related patents.
With regards to issues involving private investment in AI, the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index concluded that levels of investment in this technology is relatively low in LATAM. While global investment reached US$ 190 billion, investment in AI in the region was estimated total US$8.2 billion, 40% of which was concentrated in Brazil.
Despite each country’s potential, scientific collaboration is still scarce among Latin American nations compared to other regions. While this collaboration is low, there is an emerging trend towards countries coming together to increase scientific output, innovation, and the development of AI in the region.
Governance
The Latin American artificial intelligence index points out that countries that have implemented a national AI strategy demonstrate increased institutional integration and regulatory development. Having an agreed upon strategy in place is a solid starting point for other elements related to the technological environment proposed within the field of AI.
When it comes to participation in international forums, Argentina, Mexico and Brazil are the region’s leaders. In terms of the participation of citizens in strategic decision-making processes, Chile can be highlighted as having the largest number of citizens interacting with this technology. Peru, on the other hand, plays a prominent role in AI-related data protection regulation and legislation.
The most common concerns related to AI are impacts on jobs and gender relations. An additionally, there are major problems linked to potential and existing inequalities generated by AI. Dialog between the region’s nations is useful in understanding examples of the manner in which institutional frameworks may be built for AI.
Perception
Understanding Latin America’s perception of AI is fundamental to making key advancements in the region, both in terms of public and private funding, as well as from the perspective of use of technology.
The Latin American artificial intelligence index demonstrates that if AI is not seen as reliable and understandable by the population, the obstacles to reducing global gaps in technology will only increase, in addition to generating limitations in terms of taking advantage of the potential benefits associated with the use of AI.
The Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index seeks to identify positive, negative and neutral perceptions regarding the use of AI. In order to generate such a perception, mass media environments and “X” communication and information channels were used:
Results suggest that users of mass media outlets are optimistic with regards to the use of AI, with 42% of opinions provided in favor of the use of AI — in stark contrast to the relative pessimism among social networks, with 31% of users against use of the technology.
Users of “X” provided to be the most pessimistic. When Brazil is not taken into consideration, all LATAM countries offered negative opinions regarding the use of AI. Major obstacles lie ahead with regards to the need for trust and understanding within the field of AI on the part of the public.
The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Latin America
In Latin America, AI poses a great potential to boost economic growth, increasing quality of life and helping to address social challenges. However, in order to fully harness AI’s power, steps must be taken to ensure growth and responsible use of the technology.
Recommendations made under the Latin American artificial intelligence index are linked to 7 areas:
1. Investment in connectivity and computational capacity;
2. strengthening of education systems;
3. promoting international collaboration;
4. strengthening regional cooperation in terms of governance and research;
5. implementation of urgent advances in the regulation of AI;
6. promotion of projects based on each region’s unique characteristics;
7. promoting development of the use of AI with a focus on social challenges.
The development of AI in Latin America represents a unique opportunity to boost regional economic growth and face existing and future challenges.
Results demonstrate that the region is emerging as a major player within the global AI landscape.
Many challenges still need to be overcome, investments made and systems strengthened in order allow Latin America to harness AI’s potential. If you are interested in delving deeper into this content, be sure to check out the Latin American artificial intelligence index.
