ECLAC warns about the technological lag in Latin America and the Caribbean and highlights digital transformation as the key to overcoming development traps

During the 2nd Ministerial Summit on AI Ethics, in which more than 30 countries participated, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) warned about the urgency of addressing the technological lag that affects the productive apparatus of the region. Marco Llinás, director of the Productive and Business Development Division of ECLAC, highlighted that a large part of Latin American companies “have been left several technological waves behind,” and stressed the importance of articulating digital transformation together with social security policies. productive development to face this situation. This effort, according to Llinás, is essential to overcome the three traps that limit the productive development of the region: low growth capacity, high inequality and weak institutional capacities.
Given these challenges, Llinás highlighted that the region has the opportunity to overcome them through the effective adaptation of digital technologies. “If we manage to articulate digital transformation efforts with productive development policies, we will be able to begin to overcome these challenges,” he stated.
During his speech, Linás highlighted the importance of scaling and improving productive development policies through digital transformation, directing attention to key sectors that each country must prioritize. In this sense, ECLAC presented a portfolio of 15 sectors that drive productivity, which include areas such as advanced manufacturing, the bioeconomy, clean energy and sustainable tourism, among others. These sectors would not only contribute to increased productivity, but would also generate significant environmental benefits.

Technological lag as a central challenge
Despite the optimism, ECLAC stressed the importance of addressing the technological lag before focusing on advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things or robotics. Marco Llinás recalled that more than 70% of micro, small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs), which represent between 98 and 99% of companies in the region, do not even have an online presence. This data reveals the urgency of strengthening basic digital skills in the productive fabric of the region. Without this foundation, it is impossible for key sectors to effectively take advantage of the opportunities offered by these new technologies.
For this reason, ECLAC highlighted the importance of improving the basic skills of the entire population, while promoting the training of human talent with advanced skills. This comprehensive approach will allow countries in the region to effectively address the challenges posed by the adoption of AI.

International and regional cooperation as a key to success
International and regional cooperation was another central topic in Llinás’s intervention, who stressed the importance of cooperation spaces like this one, as well as the Regional Digital Transformation Agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean. Furthermore, Llinás took advantage of the occasion to remember that, from November 5 to 8, the 9th Ministerial Summit on High Level Dialogueswhere work will continue in an articulated manner within the framework of the Digital Alliance. This event will be a key space to advance discussions on how to implement artificial intelligence ethically and effectively in the region.