Chile Leads LATAM’s Way in AI-Enabled Public Services

Chile, Brazil and Colombia are leading the way in using artificial intelligence (AI) in the delivery of public services in Latin America, according to the AI Readiness Index 2022 published by Oxford Insights.

Argentina and Uruguay have the infrastructure to explore the new technology, but their governments have not been as proactive, the report noted.

For the 2022 Government AI Readiness Index, we found exciting AI initiatives from govts around the 🌍. Here @smarthelix, @EgarciaVirtual, @jibuelias, & @Wendy_Trott discuss initiatives in MENA, LatAm & the Caribbean, S & Central Asia, & Sub-Saharan Africa: https://t.co/xHxBw3j7H7

— Oxford Insights (@oxfordinsights) December 15, 2022

The report lauds Peru for releasing a national AI strategy but said the South American country is still a long way from adopting AI, pointing to poor ICT infrastructure and a weak domestic IT sector.

The advantage for Colombia and Brazil is that both are part of the World Economic Forum’s Network of Centers for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which operates in 16 countries and seeks to improve public policies in areas such as artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

While Argentina’s strength lies in its strong IT sector, Uruguay is benefiting from increased foreign investment. For example, Microsoft is building an “AI & IoT Insider Lab” in the country, the first of its kind in the region and the third outside the US.

Latin America’s interest in AI is growing rapidly, especially among private companies. Two months ago, representatives of several regional governments met in Bogota with the aim of developing a regional strategy for artificial intelligence.

A recent IBM survey revealed that nearly 50% of Latin American companies are exploring AI adoption, with a third already incorporating AI solutions into their services.