Government AI Readiness Meta-Analysis for Latin America And The Caribbean

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based technology has the potential of transforming how governments function, making them better able to serve, protect, and improve the quality of life of their constituents. As governments of developing countries continue to shift to more advanced digital platforms, they have adopted practices and policies that have a direct impact on the future of AI-based technology. This research aims to discuss factors that may have a direct impact on the AI preparedness of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries. It evaluates a recent ranking developed by the international development research center (IDRC) focused on indicators towards the development or use of AI technology in governance, infrastructure, technological skills, and public services against each country's economic metrics including unemployment rate, gross domestic product per capita purchasing power parity (GDP-PPP), cost to hire an AI researcher, and countrywide education levels. It also reviews metrics and factors outside of economics which have a direct impact on AI readiness and its effects on each country's citizens, including automation potential and data privacy policies. This research discusses current issues with existing evaluation criteria for AI readiness and expands factors and considerations essential to LAC countries as they embrace the AI revolution.