Chile Emerges as Leader in the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA) 2024

Chile leads the second edition of the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA 2024) with 73.07 points, showcasing significant advancements in AI readiness compared to other regional countries. ECLAC and CENIA’s study highlights the importance of governance, investment in education, and international cooperation in AI development, as well as challenges related to talent retention and equitable gender participation in the sector.

On September 24, 2024, Chile’s National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA) alongside the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) unveiled the findings of the second edition of the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA 2024). This comprehensive study evaluated 19 countries across the region concerning their readiness for artificial intelligence (AI), with Chile attaining the highest score of 73.07 points out of a possible 100. Brazil and Uruguay followed with scores of 69.30 and 64.98 respectively, showcasing significant advancements in their AI strategies. The 2024 study highlights that, despite an increase in AI talent within the workforce over the last eight years, Latin America has yet to reach the levels of the Global North. The three frontrunners—Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay—not only excel in their adoption of AI technologies, but have also strategically aligned their national policies to promote technological expansion across various sectors. This advantageous environment encourages innovation, developing scientific capabilities crucial for AI integration. Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation of Chile, Aisén Etcheverry, noted the significance of such an index for fostering informed policy-making, stressing that “having an index of this kind helps us move forward with sound policies and is critical for the success of these strategies.” The broader implications of AI’s potential for meaningful development in the region were reinforced by ECLAC’s Acting Deputy Executive Secretary, Javier Medina Vásquez, who emphasized that AI could drive innovation in critical areas such as health and education but also recognized the risk of exacerbating socio-economic disparities without immediate and strategic action. The ECLAC representative further highlighted the necessity for investments in education, regulation, and computational capabilities to harness AI’s full potential. Meanwhile, the European Union’s Ambassador in Chile, Claudia Gintersdorfer, underscored the importance of cooperative efforts between the EU and LAC to promote a human-centered digital transformation model, emphasizing AI as a primary focus moving forward. Significantly, CENIA’s manager, Rodrigo Durán, pointed out that the integration of generative AI tools could substantially enhance Chile’s economic growth, suggesting a potential $3.381 billion increase. However, he also acknowledged the challenge of talent retention in the AI sector as a persistent issue across most countries, except for Costa Rica and Uruguay, which have managed to attract skilled professionals. The analysis detailed in ILIA 2024 reveals that enabling factors, research and development, and governance are crucial areas where Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay have shown maturity. The report underscored an opportunity for these nations to leverage AI for the conversion and diversification of their economic structures, particularly in sectors such as green energy and financial services. Nevertheless, challenges remain, particularly regarding equitable gender representation in AI fields and the urgent need for continuous resource allocation towards AI-related initiatives.

The Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA) serves as a critical assessment tool to gauge the progress of AI readiness across various Latin American nations. The emergence of AI technologies has the potential to remake economies and address significant challenges across health, education, and environmental sectors. The index offers a structured analysis of countries’ capabilities in AI, assessing dimensions such as governance, research and development, and enabling factors, while highlighting both advancements and persistent shortcomings within the region.

In summation, the ILIA 2024 study marks a pivotal step towards understanding and enhancing the landscape of artificial intelligence in Latin America, recognizing Chile as a leader in the field. The outcomes emphasize the necessity of ongoing investment in technology and human capital while signaling the importance of cooperative international efforts to optimize AI’s benefits for socio-economic advancement. As nations confront the dual challenges of harnessing AI’s advantages and mitigating potential socio-economic disparities, a strategic focus on inclusive growth, particularly in AI education and innovation, is essential for a sustainable digital future.

Original Source: www.cepal.org