Training talent is the challenge for Dominican Republic to use and develop AI

Vocational training is the most important challenge facing the Dominican Republic in using and developing Artificial Intelligence (AI). When evaluated along with other Latin American countries, the scores obtained in this area are below the regional average, according to the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA).

This index explains that for AI to be developed effectively, the variables on which this development depends are grouped around three subdimensions: Infrastructure, Data, and Human Talent.

In this subdimension of Human Talent, the country is nine points below the average, and it is highlighted that “the most important deficit is in Vocational Training.”

The details of the country’s evaluation regarding human talent (30.99 points) are as follows: it is above the average in terms of AI literacy, but it presents a significant deficit in early science education (9.25 points).

Regarding the Training of Professionals in AI, the country presents a significant gap concerning the region, with lower STEM Graduates. Advanced Human Talent (17.72 points) registers a score higher than the average, in which master’s and doctoral programs in AI in accredited universities stand out, contrasting, however, with the lack of development of PhD programs in AI in universities in the QS ranking.

It also indicates that the DR is among the countries that face significant challenges in training and retaining specialized talent.

The index carried out by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the National Center for Artificial Intelligence of Chile (Cenia) highlights that Human Talent is the engine that drives innovation and technological development. Having professionals trained in AI is the starting point for promoting the adoption and use of this technology, which has the potential to positively impact the economies of countries through significant improvements in productivity and people’s quality of life.

“For a nation to have the talent capable of designing, developing and implementing AI-based solutions, it is essential to have public policies and programs that point in that direction, both in primary education and in continuing education,” he says.