AI Adoption Rises Globally, With Latin America Leading the Way

Google, in collaboration with Ipsos, presented the second edition of the "Our Life with AI" report, which shows an increase in the global adoption of AI, with 48% of those surveyed saying that they used this technology in 2024, compared to 38% the previous year. In Latin America, countries such as Chile and Mexico stand out for their high levels of adoption, reporting 53% and 43%, respectively.

"Latin America is ready to embrace AI. Thanks to this latest study, we see great optimism about its impact on economic growth, job creation, and the transformation of sectors such as healthcare and education," says Adriana Noreña, Vice President Spanish Speaking Latin America, Google, to Wired. However, Noreña highlights the importance of addressing challenges such as the digital divide and the shortage of skilled talent to ensure that AI benefits everyone.

The report highlights the growing enthusiasm in Latin America for AI, a trend that aligns with global optimism. In Brazil, Chile and Mexico, over 70% of respondents believe that AI will benefit people, a percentage that exceeds the global average of 59%. This optimism reflects the perceived potential of AI to drive economic, social, and scientific development in the region. In addition, the study reveals that 57% of respondents globally are more excited about the possibilities of AI, outpacing those concerned about its implications (43%).

Regionally, enthusiasm is even more pronounced. In Mexico, 72% of participants are excited about the technology, compared to 28% who show concerns. In Chile, 71% are optimistic, while in Brazil 65% express enthusiasm. 

The study also delves into the opportunities that AI offers in the professional sphere. Globally, 84% of respondents believe that AI will be key to handling complex data, while 82% believe it will help solve business problems. In addition, 57% of participants believe that AI will free up time for employees to focus on more rewarding tasks.

Participants in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico are also optimistic about the impact of AI on improving productivity and problem solving in their respective industries. However, the report says that it is critical for the region to overcome certain challenges, primarily the shortage of talent trained in digital skills, to reap the full benefits of AI. According to the Latin American AI Index (ILIA) 2024, the region has doubled its concentration of AI talent in the last eight years, but still lags behind powers such as the United States, China, and the European Union.

"ILIA 2024 identifies that the lack of advanced technology infrastructure, talent drain, and data access limitations are the main barriers preventing Latin American countries from developing and scaling AI-based business models," reads IT Now in an article on the topic. 

Google Harnessing AI Potential in the Region

Google’s AI Sprinters report, published in April 2024, includes several recommendations for maximizing the potential of AI in developing countries, including national training. The report highlights the importance of investing in training programs that can prepare professionals for the challenges of digitalization.

In its effort to democratize access to AI, Google has launched its Gemini multimodal tool, which is being incorporated into all of its products and services. In late 2023, Google began the "Gemini Era" with the launch of the Gemini app for Android and iPhone devices, as well as the release of Gemini Live, a voice assistant designed to facilitate intuitive AI interaction. 

The opening of Google's new cloud region in Queretaro, as MBN previously reported, also strengthens its presence in Latin America, adding to its existing regions in Santiago de Chile and Sao Paulo. With this expansion, Google Cloud strengthens its commitment to the digital transformation of the region, offering access to advanced technologies and opportunities for its ecosystem of over 100,000 global partners.