Is your company ready to adopt artificial intelligence?

One of the questions I often get asked by company directors is whether this is the right time to implement AI solutions in their environment.

Dice roll on the board: Exploring the unpredictable journey with artificial intelligence.

I've been observing for years how technologies are transforming the business landscape in Latin America. First it was the internet, then social media, and now we're facing what I consider the most significant change to date: Artificial Intelligence (AI).

JP Morgan Private Bank projects a $100 billion AI opportunity for Latin America over the next decade.

I'm not exaggerating when I say we're at a crucial turning point. The decisions we make today about AI will determine who will lead our continent tomorrow.

Artificial intelligence in Latin America

The Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA) 2024 declares that Chile is leading the region for the second consecutive year. The first question that comes to mind is, what are other countries doing? Are we really understanding the magnitude of this opportunity?

Just two years ago, ChatGPT arrived (in 2023). It was like an earthquake in the tech world. I saw web traffic to AI solutions skyrocket in the following months. But I also noticed something worrying: a lot of curiosity, yes, but little effective implementation. It reminded me of those early days of social media, when everyone wanted to be there, but few really knew how to take advantage of it.

When I read that JP Morgan Private Bank projects a $100 billion opportunity for Latin America over the next decade if we leverage AI, I can't help but get excited. But I immediately think: Are we ready to capitalize on this opportunity?

Challenges for companies in adopting artificial intelligence

In my conversations with business leaders, I notice that significant obstacles still exist. Many have a limited vision of the true scope of AI. Others underestimate the security risks or, worse, relegate AI exclusively to their technology departments. It frustrates me to see these patterns because I know they are not insurmountable barriers, but rather learning opportunities we are missing.

I've always believed that the key to successful adoption of any technology is relevance. It's not about jumping on the AI bandwagon just because it's trendy. It's about deeply understanding our business and seeing how AI can enhance it. It's a process that requires reflection, strategy, and, yes, courage.

The question we should ask ourselves is not whether we should adopt AI, but how we can do so in a way that positively transforms our businesses and our societies.

History is a great teacher, and in the world of technology, its lessons are particularly valuable. I've seen companies resist change or adopt new technologies late, and the cost has been high. I don't want us to make the same mistakes with AI. I'm worried that in the coming years we'll see a widening gap between AI pioneers and laggards. It's a scenario we can avoid if we act now.

According to NTT DATA, 71% of Latin American companies recognize the revolutionary potential of AI for business. It's a good start, but recognition isn't enough. We need action. When I read about the benefits of AI—operational efficiency, increased productivity, advanced data analysis—I don't just see buzzwords. I see real competitive advantages that we can start leveraging today. I spoke about this topic with Blas Giffuni in a digital conversation to help companies get their bearings with AI.

So, what can we do to get started?

I'm convinced that AI adoption in Latin America isn't just an opportunity; it's a competitive necessity. It requires a comprehensive approach, involving the entire organization, and, yes, seeking expert advice . We can't afford to improvise on this.

The future is in our hands. AI is not a threat; it's a powerful tool to enhance our talent and our capacity for innovation. The question we must ask ourselves is not whether we should adopt AI, but how we can do so in a way that positively transforms our businesses and our societies.

Are you ready to lead this technological revolution in Latin America? The time to act is now.