The event, co-organized by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the National Center for Artificial Intelligence of Chile (CENIA), brought together policymakers, researchers, academics, and private sector leaders to discuss the findings and implications for AI development in Latin America.
The Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA 2024), jointly developed by ECLAC and CENIA, assesses the readiness of countries in three key dimensions: Enabling Factors, Research, Development and Adoption, and Governance. These dimensions encompass technological infrastructure, human talent development, and the governance frameworks necessary to integrate AI into national economies. Despite the notable progress of the best-performing countries, the report highlights the challenges the region still faces, particularly in retaining AI talent and building robust governance frameworks to support innovation.
Chile leads the ranking with 73.07 points out of a possible 100, followed by Brazil (69.30) and Uruguay (64.98). These countries, along with others excelling in AI development, have implemented strong national strategies focused on integrating AI technologies across various sectors. However, many other countries in the region are significantly lagging. The index provides crucial data for policymakers to address these gaps and formulate effective strategies that promote innovation and economic growth.
During the launch, statements were made by prominent officials, including Aisén Etcheverry, Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation of Chile, who emphasized the index's fundamental role in shaping consistent AI policies. Claudia Gintersdorfer, Ambassador of the European Union in Chile, highlighted the index's importance within the EU-LAC Digital Alliance, which supported the project. Javier Medina Vásquez, Deputy Executive Secretary of ECLAC, noted AI's potential as a transformative force to address development traps in Latin America, particularly in areas like health, education, and environmental sustainability.
Néstor Maslej, Director of Research at Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute (HAI), praised this year's broader scope of the index, underscoring its importance for both policymakers and business leaders to understand the AI landscape in Latin America. Additionally, Tania Bedrax-Weiss, Director of Research at Google DeepMind, presented future advancements in AI, showcasing innovative Google projects in this field.
The event also featured case studies demonstrating successful AI applications in the region, such as the Humboldt Cable project, which improved connectivity in Chile; Plu, a chatbot designed to assist teachers and students in Brazil; and the Guacamaya Project, which uses AI for monitoring and protecting the Amazon rainforest.
In conclusion, ILIA 2024 underscores the growing importance of AI in the economic and social development of Latin America. While the region has made strides in talent development and technological infrastructure, further efforts are needed to close the gap with global leaders in AI. This index serves as a valuable tool for guiding national policies and fostering regional cooperation to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.
