Project SkiLMeeT’s research webinar on 14 November, 2024 explored workers’ exposure to generative AI in Latin America, a region often overlooked in discussions on technological change. The event featured a presentation by Hernan Winkler, Senior Economist at the World Bank, who shared the findings of his study “Buffer or Bottleneck? Jobs’ Exposure to Generative AI and the Digital Divide in Latin America”, conducted in collaboration with Pawel Gmyrek (ILO) and Santiago Garganta (CEDLAS-UNLP).
The study reveals that between 30% and 40% of jobs in Latin America are exposed to generative AI. While the findings highlight significant potential for productivity gains, they also expose risks associated with automation, particularly for vulnerable worker groups. Jobs in urban, high-income, and formal sectors, such as finance and public administration, are most exposed to AI technologies. However, this exposure is not uniformly beneficial. Women and young workers, for instance, face heightened automation risks, increasing their vulnerability to job displacement.
Another critical issue the study addresses is the persistent digital divide across the region. Around 17 million jobs that could benefit from AI-driven augmentation are hindered by inadequate digital infrastructure. Of these, 7 million are held by women. The study noted that countries such as Honduras, Nicaragua, and even Mexico face substantial challenges in leveraging generative AI due to weak digital ecosystems.
The presentation emphasised the uneven distribution of AI’s augmentation potential. While the technology could significantly enhance productivity in certain roles, its benefits are currently limited to those with access to robust digital tools and infrastructure. Without targeted interventions, there is a risk that generative AI may deepen existing inequalities, favouring those with technological access while marginalising others.
The discussion underscored the urgency of addressing these systemic barriers to ensure that generative AI fosters inclusive growth in Latin America.
