Uruguay is actively promoting and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in its digital government initiatives and across various sectors. The country has a strategic approach to AI development, focusing on responsible use, capacity building, and promoting innovation in the field. Uruguay’s AI Strategy for the Digital Government, launched by the Digital Government Agency (Agesic), outlines four key pillars: AI Governance, Capacity Development, Use and Application of AI, and Digital Citizenship.

Key aspects of AI in Uruguay:

• Strategic Approach:
  Uruguay’s AI Strategy for the Digital Government provides a framework for responsible and ethical AI implementation in public administration.
  
  
• Public Sector Focus:
  The strategy emphasizes the use of AI to enhance service delivery, decision-making, and overall efficiency within the public sector.
  
  
• Capacity Building:
  Uruguay is investing in developing skills and expertise in AI among public sector employees to effectively utilize AI technologies.
  
  
• Ethical and Responsible AI:The AI strategy prioritizes responsible, ethical, and transparent use of AI, ensuring it aligns with public interest, human rights, and digital transformation goals.
  
  
• Regional Leadership:Uruguay is emerging as a regional leader in Latin America for AI development and adoption, with strong infrastructure and talent pools.
  
  
• Collaboration:Uruguay’s approach to AI involves collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector.
  
  
• Ongoing Initiatives:Uruguay is actively pursuing initiatives such as the fAIr LAC Uruguay project, which aims to promote responsible AI use in public administration.
  
  Challenges and Opportunities:
  
  
• Need for further development:
  Uruguay needs to further develop its AI capabilities, including infrastructure, human capital, and innovation, as indicated by the UNESCO’s Government AI Readiness Index.
  
  
• Addressing the gender gap:
  Uruguay is also working on addressing the gender gap in the AI industry and building a more inclusive AI ecosystem.
  
  

Opportunities for growth:

Uruguay’s strategic approach to AI, coupled with its strong digital government initiatives, presents significant opportunities for AI development and adoption in various sectors.