Chile is leading the way in Artificial Intelligence

The South American country stands out for its digital and data processing infrastructure, as well as the availability of technological devices, according to the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA). 

Chile has demonstrated its leading position in artificial intelligence (AI) in the region, according to the first edition of the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA). 

The index, which was produced by Chile’s National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA) with the support of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), highlighted Chile’s position in the region and its implications for the future. 

Artificial Intelligence in Latin America 

The ILIA aimed to answer fundamental questions about the current status of artificial Intelligence in Latin America. What countries are paving the way in the development of AI? How does infrastructure, human capital, and regulation influence the advancement of AI? What role do governments and citizen participation play in this process? These questions are essential for understanding how AI can drive innovation and economic growth in the region. 

In the index, Chile stands out as the best positioned country, due to its technological development and the investment in digital talent carried out in recent years. However, the report also indicated that no country stands out in all of the dimensions assessed, in particular diversity and opportunities for regional collaboration. 

Digital talent in Chile: A valuable asset 

The report highlights the importance of human capital in the field of AI. Latin America has been able to retain most of its talent, with only 5% of professionals choosing to emigrate. 

However, the prevalence of disruptive technological skills related to AI in Latin America is below the global average. In that regard, the study recommends that countries in the region continue to promote training in emerging technologies. 

Regional and international collaboration: key for success 

Regional collaboration and international cooperation are key elements in the development of Latin America’s AI industry. 

Despite the major investment opportunities in this area, private investment in Latin America is lower than other regions. As such, the study recommends the strengthening of synergies between Latin American countries and collaboration with other regions around the world. 

For example, the document noted that in the last five years, collaboration between Europe and the United States was present in 80.6% of all AI initiatives, while collaboration between Latin American countries was present in just 7.7% of initiatives. In that regard, the study noted that there is still much work to be done to boost integration going forward. 

AI business opportunities 

Another aspect highlighted by the report is related to the investment opportunities involving the development of AI, both in terms of research and implementation. 

According to the index, global private investment in AI is estimated to have reached US$190 billion in 2022. However, Latin America accounted for just US$8.2 billion of that total. 

Chile as a leader in technological infrastructure 

Chile was also ahead of its regional peers in terms of connectivity infrastructure, data processing, and the availability of technological devices with a score of 71.32%, followed by Brazil and Argentina was scores of 62.32% and 59.29%, respectively. 

Average broadband download speeds reach 89.18 Mbps in Chile, considerably faster than other countries in the region, with Brazil and Uruguay registering average download speeds of close to 55 Mpbs and lower figures in other countries. 

Additionally, the report highlights the fact that Chile is leading the way in terms of connectivity and the availability of technological devices compared to other Latin American countries. 

In Latin America, an average of 74.3% of the population has access to the internet, and internet access exceeds 60% in all countries included in the study. However, in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, and Uruguay, more than 80% of the population has access to the internet. 

The future of AI in Chile and the region 

The ILIA provides a clear vision of Chile’s position in the region with regard to artificial intelligence. Although the country is leading the way in several aspects, it also has opportunities to improve and grow. 

The development of artificial intelligence in Latin America is still far behind other regions. The maximum score awarded by the study globally is 120 points, but the average for Latin America is just 34.38. In the region, only Chile and Panama were awarded the highest score of 42.5 points, which despite placing them at the forefront in Latin America represents only about one third of the maximum score on a global scale. 

The results of the ILIA are a call to keep strengthening investment in digital talent, promoting regional and international collaboration, and improving technological infrastructure in Chile. 

Chile is the most innovative economy in the region, and has high levels of competitiveness. To find out more about the progress being made in the digital economy, other rankings in which Chile occupies a leading position, and technology investment opportunities in the country, read the following article.