Artificial Intelligence Does Not Mature on Its Own A Systemic Analysis of the Structural Drivers Enabling Its Development in Latin America

This study examines artificial intelligence (AI) maturity in Latin America as a systemic outcome rather than an isolated technological achievement. Using data from seventeen countries and integrating four international indices—the Global Innovation Index (GII), the Global AI Readiness Index (GAIRI), the ICT Development Index, and the E-Government Development Index (EGDI)—the analysis evaluates how structural drivers account for variability in the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA). Pearson correlations show strong and statistically significant associations between ILIA and each pillar, while a multiple regression model explains 95% of the observed variance. Although multicollinearity reduces the individual significance of innovation, infrastructure and e-government, AI governance (GAIRI) emerges as the strongest unique predictor, and the combined behaviour of all variables confirms that AI maturity functions as an emergent property of innovation ecosystems, institutional capacity, connectivity, and public-sector digitalisation. The findings indicate that national and sectoral AI strategies are more effective when embedded within broader digital development frameworks rather than implemented as standalone initiatives. Countries with more consolidated structural capabilities consistently exhibit higher AI maturity. The study concludes by identifying policy-relevant domains—research, advanced skills, digital infrastructure, governance and public-sector systems—where strengthening efforts is most likely to yield measurable improvements. Limitations and opportunities for future research are also discussed.