National governments, as well as industry and scientific communities in the Americas, are paying increasing attention to the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms as a way to spur economic and social growth, and technology innovation.

However, several concerns have also been raised over the possible unintended consequences of increasing AI use, from job losses to new privacy and safety challenges. Cullen International’s new benchmark covers whether national governments have published or proposed specific strategies or plans on nationwide adoption of AI.

Most countries covered have been discussing the need to implement a comprehensive national AI strategy. Among the monitored countries, Canada has a strategy in place, and aims to establish a set of ethical standards for AI use. Mexico proposed a national AI strategy in April 2018, while the United States has recently been considering to adopt one.

Several countries in the Americas are currently fostering AI initiatives and encouraging increased AI use in different sectors. For example, in Colombia, AI software and AI education programmes benefit from special tax exemptions, while Brazil has been considering adopting AI tools to improve efficiency in the judiciary and in public administration.