In November 2024, Boston Consulting Group released a groundbreaking study titled "The AI Maturity Matrix: Which Economies Are Ready for AI?" As global AI spending races toward $632 billion by 2028, this first comprehensive framework evaluates how 73 nations are positioned to either harness or struggle with the AI revolution.

The matrix examines economies through two critical lenses: exposure to AI-driven disruptions and readiness to leverage AI opportunities. Exposure considers how vulnerable different sectors within an economy are to AI impacts, while readiness is measured through the ASPIRE framework (Ambition, Skills, Policy and regulation, Investment, Research and innovation, and Ecosystem). The findings reveal a stark reality: only five economies—Canada, China, Singapore, the UK, and the US—have achieved "AI pioneer" status. These nations have transformed potential AI disruption into competitive advantage through strategic investments, robust infrastructure, and cultivated talent pools.

Latin America presents a concerning contrast to these AI pioneers. Ecuador is categorized among the "AI emergents"—economies at the earliest stages of AI adoption alongside Algeria, Angola, Ethiopia, Iraq, Nigeria, and Venezuela. This places Ecuador in the bottom 10% of global AI readiness. What makes this particularly notable is that Ecuador is one of only two Latin American countries (with Venezuela) in this lowest-tier category, while regional neighbors like Brazil, Chile, and Colombia have achieved higher positions.

Several key factors contribute to this challenging position: limited digital infrastructure for AI development, a significant shortage of AI-specialized talent, severe limitations in accessing venture capital and R&D funding, and an absence of comprehensive AI strategies and regulatory frameworks. The matrix reveals a concerning pattern of global inequality in AI development. While AI pioneers benefit from a virtuous cycle of investment, talent attraction, and innovation, emerging economies face compounding challenges that make catching up increasingly difficult. This disparity manifests as market share concentrates in a handful of nations, top AI talent and research institutions cluster in wealthy nations, and advanced computing resources remain concentrated in developed economies. The current focus on AI for efficiency and performance risks overshadowing broader societal needs and specific contexts. For Ecuador and similar economies, a more balanced development approach should include government leadership in developing AI strategies aligned with national goals, educational reform to strengthen technical education, encouragement of AI solutions that address specific regional challenges, investment in local talent to reduce dependency on external resources, fostering international partnerships for knowledge transfer, and ensuring AI development considers diverse perspectives.

The AI Maturity Matrix serves as both a wake-up call and a roadmap. While it highlights significant disparities in global AI development, it also provides a framework for understanding what needs to be done to close these gaps. Looking ahead, we recognize that Ecuador's position isn't just a challenge—it's an opportunity for transformation. At Diversa, we're building a community dedicated to changing these statistics through collaborative innovation and local talent development. We believe that by combining unique perspectives with global best practices, we can accelerate our region's AI journey and create tools that address our specific needs and contexts. The goal isn't just to catch up with AI pioneers but to develop capabilities that serve local needs and contribute to more equitable global technological development. The future of AI doesn't have to reinforce existing inequalities—with the right approach, it can help bridge them.