Situation of Artificial Intelligence in Ecuador in relation to the leading countries of the Southern Cone region

Abstract

The objective of this work is to identify and understand the status of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem in Ecuador, for which a methodology for measuring the status of AI applied to the leading countries in this area of the region is defined, pretending to reflect the situation of the Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem; therefore, the Tortoise AI Index methodology is taken as a reference, which defines three pillars of analysis; investment, innovation and implementation, which uses 143 indicators divided into seven sub-pillars: Talent, Infrastructure, Operating Environment, Research, Development, Government and Commercial Strategy. The proposal maintains the first five subpillars and uses a new one called Institutionality that integrates government and commercial strategies. The research subscribes to a descriptive, quantitative and analytical method of reviewing secondary sources and databases of organizations, companies, governments, among others. The findings show that there is a significant gap when comparing the AI ecosystem in Ecuador with the ecosystems of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Uruguay; showing an incipient use, adoption of this technology and the lack of public policies that encourage the use of AI as a means of social, economic and environmental development.