In the contemporary era of rapid technological evolution and globalization, innovation emerges as the undisputed engine of progress and social well-being. The recent survey by Somos Innovación in Chile is an eloquent testimony to this reality. It offers an empirical corpus that clarifies citizens’ perceptions regarding digitalization and innovation and celebrates their transformative role in society.
A particularly revealing piece of data is that 87 per cent of respondents in Chile consider digitalization to be a fundamental pillar for economic growth. This high percentage is not merely an indicator of optimism but also underscores the collective conviction that digitalization is a democratizing force that enhances social inclusion and economic mobility.
In Artificial Intelligence (AI), the survey reveals a rapid and notable technological adoption, with 33 per cent of participants incorporating some form of AI into their daily lives. This phenomenon is complemented by the fact that 45 per cent of respondents perceive significant potential for AI to improve the quality of life. This latter data point is in line with the 61 per cent of participants who consider AI a valuable complement in their work environment.
It is equally relevant to highlight that, on average, 76 percent of respondents—84 percent of men and 68 per cent of women—are immersed in digital financial services. This data underscores a palpable transition toward a more versatile economy, less anchored in conventional banking infrastructures. These figures clearly indicate how financial innovation is redefining economic dynamics and opening new avenues for the financial empowerment of historically marginalized segments.
While it is true that the survey reveals some concerns, such as the 14 per cent who see AI as a potential labour threat, these data should be interpreted not as a rejection of innovation but as a call for reflection and the design of policies that maximize its positive impact.
It is also crucial to point out an area where Chile still has room to grow: the use of cryptocurrencies. According to the survey, only 5 percent of respondents have used cryptocurrencies, contrasting with rapid advancements in other areas of digitalization. These data suggest that, although Chilean society is open to innovation, there are still significant opportunities for education and the adoption of digital currencies.
In summary, the results of the Somos Innovación survey in Chile reflect palpable optimism toward digitalization and innovation and augur a bright future for the country. The rapid adoption of emerging technologies, confidence in the transformative power of digitalization, and a positive outlook on artificial intelligence indicate a society that is not only prepared for the future but actively participates in its construction.
This collective enthusiasm for innovation and digitalization is more than a mere reflection of the current reality; it is a promise of what will come. With a citizenry committed to adopting new technologies and a clear vision of their potential to improve the quality of life, Chile is a leader in technological development and innovation in Latin America.
Thus, innovation and digitalization are not merely abstract concepts or passing trends; they are the engine of development and the architecture of a bright future for Chile. This is a call to action for all social actors, from policymakers to academics and entrepreneurs, to capitalize on this moment of optimism and possibility and turn it into a tangible reality that benefits all Chilean society.
* José Alberto León is Project Director at Fundación Internacional Bases, as well as Senior Fellow at the think tanks CEDICE Libertad and Fundación Ciudadano Austral. Previously, research and content assistant at Fundación Para el Progreso. Co-author of the book “Después del Socialismo, Libertad” (After Socialism, Freedom). He studied Law at Universidad Central de Venezuela.
Source: We Are Innovation
