Mexico ranks fifth in the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) compared to other Latin American nations, according to a document released by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
“Well-used artificial intelligence can be a catalyst for productivity in the service sector, making them complementary technologies and not substitutes,” said José Salazar, executive secretary of the United Nations agency, during the presentation of the “Latin American Index of Artificial Intelligence.”
The document indicates that in the region, the gap in the development of AI “is substantial” with respect to the leading countries at the global level.
Between 2010 and 2021, joint private investment by all Latin American countries did not exceed 1.7% of the amount of investment by the United States or 5 percent by China.
The analysis prepared by the National Center for Artificial Intelligence of Chile (Cenia) shows that on a scale of 100 points, the average advance of the region is 42.01, while Mexico stands at 48.55 points.
Mexico is below Chile, which scored 72.67 points; Brazil scored 65.31; Uruguay scored 54.99 points; and Argentina scored 54.76 points. Below Mexico are Colombia, Peru, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, and Bolivia.
“The reality of artificial intelligence in Latin America is as diverse as the landscapes that dress the continent. Countries with levels of scientific productivity as high as the mountains but deficiencies in their technology transfer Thus, the results indicate that no country stands out transversally in all the dimensions considered,” the document showed.
The document points to Mexico as an important reference for the region in different dimensions since “it exhibits a mature and solid ecosystem.”
“In the midst of the crises caused by COVID, inflation, central bank interest rates, and technological acceleration, artificial intelligence is considered a new transformative force, with a range of potential impacts so wide that it is no exaggeration to say that it can change the course in the history of humanity,” Salazar said.
“Many impacts will be positive, others potentially negative or challenging, so reflection is required, as well as a strategic vision and regulation since, due to its multiple applications, it can revolutionize various aspects of society, such as health and business,” he added.
