Brazil is not ready for AI: we need to act now or we will be left behind

Over the past 24 hours, a series of news stories about Artificial Intelligence have caught my attention. In particular, one alarming fact: 751% of Brazilian companies are not yet prepared to implement AI. As someone who has closely followed the evolution of the innovation ecosystem in Brazil, this number deeply concerns me.

THE Cisco 2024 AI Readiness Index has brought us data that we urgently need to discuss. While 99% of business leaders recognize the importance of AI, only 25% of companies are actually ready to implement it – a number that, surprisingly, decreased by 4% compared to the previous year.

In my experience supporting startups and large companies in their innovation journeys, I identify three major bottlenecks that need to be addressed:

• Inadequate infrastructure
• High operating costs
• Shortage of qualified talent

The scenario is even more complex when we look at the regulatory context. The vote on the bill regulating AI in Brazil has been postponed, highlighting how we are still groping in the dark on fundamental issues such as combating disinformation.

Sectoral Impacts and Ongoing Transformations

And it’s not just traditional businesses that are facing challenges. The creative industry is undergoing a quiet revolution. A recent study indicates that content creators could lose up to 20% of their revenue due to AI. It is a number that makes us reflect on how to prepare our professionals for this new scenario.

On the other hand, we see interesting cases in the gaming sector. PlayStation recognizes the revolutionary potential of AI, but maintains a balanced view on the importance of the “human touch”. This is exactly the approach I advocate: it is not about replacement, but about intelligent integration.

What Needs to Be Done?

In my career leading innovation initiatives, I have learned that profound transformations require coordinated action. I suggest a three-pronged action plan:

1. Massive Training: We need to democratize knowledge about AI. In my experience at Inteli, I see how essential it is to integrate technology and management in the training of professionals.
2. Accessible Infrastructure: The fact that only 261% of organizations have GPUs suitable for AI is alarming. We need public policies that facilitate access to the necessary infrastructure.
3. Clear Regulatory Framework: AI regulation needs to move forward, but in a balanced way, protecting rights without stifling innovation.

As Cisco’s Jeetu Patel put it, “In the future, there will be only two types of companies: those that become AI companies and those that become irrelevant.” In my view, the same goes for countries.

The Path Ahead

The situation is challenging, but it also presents unique opportunities. In my experience supporting startups and coordinating innovation programs, I have seen how companies that embrace technological change strategically and responsibly can stand out.

The time is right to act. We need to transform these 75% from unprepared companies into future-ready organizations. This requires collaboration between the public and private sectors and academia – something I learned is essential during my experience at Start-Up Brasil.

Let’s change this scenario together? Tell me in the comments: how is your company preparing for the AI era?