ECLAC's Deputy Executive Secretary ai, Javier Medina Vázquez, highlighted this Tuesday (24.09.2024) the importance of the development and adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Latin America and the Caribbean to face the critical challenges of the region. During the launch of the second version of the "Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA)”, Medina Vázquez pointed out that AI has the potential to be a key driver to overcome the obstacles that limit economic and social development.
"The technological revolution led by artificial intelligence can transform government administrative processes, optimize decision-making and improve the response to citizen demands," he said. He also stressed the urgent need to act to prevent existing socioeconomic gaps from widening, especially in areas such as investment, infrastructure, education and regulation.
The Assistant Secretary also stressed the importance of working on investment in research and development, training the workforce, strengthening digital and data infrastructure, and establishing an appropriate regulatory framework to maximize the benefits of AI. In this regard, he stressed that regional cooperation is essential to develop convergent regulations and exchange good practices.
ILIA 2024 Total Score
According to the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index 2024, which evaluated the readiness of 19 countries in AI, Chile leads the ranking with 73,07 points, followed by Brazil (69,30) and Uruguay (64,98). Countries like Argentina, Colombia, Mexico y Peru are among the “adopters” with scores of 55,77, 52,64 and 51,40, respectively. These are countries that are using this technology in the productive sectors, services and public administrations, but in an incipient manner. In the field of research, they have made significant progress in AI; in terms of policies to promote AI, they are developing strategies to invest and collaborate with other states to strengthen their capacities in this emerging technology.
The report also highlights the potential of AI to transform the region's productive matrix, boosting sectors such as green energy, advanced manufacturing, agribusiness and financial services, which can generate new employment opportunities and economic growth.ILIA 2024)
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