Global Companies Embrace AI for Strategic Goals
Leading global companies are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve various strategic objectives, including personalizing customer experiences, automating internal processes, conducting predictive analytics, optimizing advertising campaigns, strengthening fraud detection, refining supply chains, and analyzing financial data to support strategic decisions.
Mexico’s Digital Divide Revealed by INEGI Survey
On May 6, Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) released the results of the National Survey on the Availability and Use of Information Technologies in Households (ENDUTIH). The data highlights significant challenges in basic digital literacy. For instance, nearly 17% of the population does not use the internet, with about 10% lacking basic knowledge on its usage. This demonstrates that mere internet access does not guarantee the necessary skills to fully leverage its benefits, emphasizing the urgency of implementing training programs to bolster essential digital skills.
The survey also indicates that, while smartphones dominate internet access, only 36% of the population uses computers, limiting the execution of more complex and productive tasks. Moreover, connectivity is concentrated on basic activities like sending messages and accessing social networks, with only 35.8% employing advanced digital services. This pattern reveals that despite having internet access, a lack of training and distrust in the digital environment hinders maximizing internet’s potential.
Furthermore, ENDUTIH highlights notable differences based on region and age. Urban areas show greater technology mastery, while rural areas and older adults lag in digital skills development. These disparities necessitate tailored strategies addressing each group’s and geographical area’s specific needs.
AI Applications in Mexico: Current Uses and Potential
Given these challenges, it’s unsurprising that AI applications primarily focus on: providing emotional support and life purpose guidance; organizing domestic routines; and entertainment and leisure. In minor applications, AI is used to boost creativity and idea generation, closely linked to productivity improvements and knowledge acquisition.
In Mexico’s National Development Plan 2025-2030, the word “intelligence” appears 13 times in a 213-page document. Of these mentions, 11 relate to public security strategies, one to fiscal matters, and only one reference addresses AI and innovation. Surprisingly, none connect to educational initiatives, modern economic policies, or mechanisms to combat public sector corruption and improve efficiency.
Similarly, reviewing other guiding documents like Plan Mexico reveals no references to strategies promoting AI use for productivity enhancement and strengthening Mexicans’ and businesses’ capabilities. If any efforts exist, they are disjointed and uncertain, focusing on platform regulation and business operations that could negatively impact society and markets.
The Sisyphean Task: A Cycle of Efforts and Setbacks
Just as Sisypus pushed a massive boulder uphill, only for it to roll back down just as he neared the summit, Mexico faces a similar cycle with AI. Despite its potential, there’s still no strategy to bridge the digital divide and foster social well-being and sustainable economic growth.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are global companies using AI for? They’re integrating AI to personalize customer experiences, automate internal processes, conduct predictive analytics, optimize advertising campaigns, strengthen fraud detection, refine supply chains, and analyze financial data for strategic decision-making.
- What does Mexico’s digital literacy situation reveal? INEGI’s ENDUTIH survey shows significant challenges in basic digital literacy, with nearly 17% of the population not using the internet and about 10% lacking basic knowledge on its usage.
- How does Mexico’s AI integration compare to its strategic plans? The National Development Plan 2025-2030 mentions “intelligence” 13 times but primarily in the context of public security strategies, with only one reference to AI and innovation. There are no clear connections to educational initiatives, modern economic policies, or anti-corruption mechanisms.
- What are the current AI applications in Mexico? Most AI applications focus on emotional support, organizing domestic routines, and entertainment. Creativity and idea generation applications are minor.
- What are the implications of Mexico’s digital divide? The digital divide hinders maximizing internet’s potential due to a lack of training and distrust in the digital environment. Disparities exist based on region and age, requiring tailored strategies.
