Panama: Becoming a Powerhouse in AI Development
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In recent years, Panama has taken firm steps toward consolidating a cutting-edge technological strategy, especially in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). From government initiatives to academic efforts and advancements in key industrial sectors, AI development in Panama is gaining regional prominence.
A national commitment to ethical, trustworthy, and secure AI
The National Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Innovation (Senacyt) has been one of the leading institutions in promoting policies that encourage the responsible use of AI. Franklin Morales, head of technical cooperation at Senacyt, stated in recent statements that:
“Our country supports all efforts to promote safe, trustworthy, and ethical artificial intelligence for the Americas, an AI that strengthens and does not violate democratic principles, human rights, and individual freedoms.”
This commitment translates into concrete actions. SENACYT is developing a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the first draft of which is expected by May 2025. This document will mark an important milestone in positioning Panama as a leader in the use of emerging technologies with an inclusive, ethical, and sustainable approach. As reported by DPL News, the strategy seeks to align the efforts of all sectors in the country to build a robust and competitive digital ecosystem.
Morales highlighted that:
“Panama is laying the foundations to position itself as a regional leader in the application of emerging technologies for inclusive and sustainable development.”
This approach reflects a long-term strategic vision, in which artificial intelligence is conceived not only as an engine of technological innovation, but also as a vehicle for human and social development.
AI Development in Panama: Advances in the Architecture and Construction Industry
In addition to the institutional push, AI development in Panama is already beginning to show results in productive sectors such as architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). Artificial intelligence-based tools are transforming this industry globally, and Panama is no exception.
A study published in the Journal of the University of Panama documents how these technologies are beginning to be used in the country to automate repetitive tasks, generate design alternatives, and optimize resources. Between July 12 and 23, 2024, a convenience sample was conducted among Panamanian architecture students and professionals to measure their level of knowledge, use, and application of AI tools.
The results reveal that, although the use of AI in the Panamanian AIC industry is still in its infancy, there is enormous potential. The study revealed a significant gap in academic training on these tools, which represents both a challenge and a great opportunity for the country.
Among the technologies analyzed, the use of Stable Diffusion stands out as a tool for generating material alternatives and visualizing architectural concepts. This type of application not only accelerates creative processes but also opens up new possibilities for more sustainable and personalized designs.
AI Development in Panama: Education, Talent, and the Future
One of the key pillars of AI development in Panama is education. While there are emerging efforts in universities and research centers, the country still faces the challenge of incorporating artificial intelligence more systematically into technical and higher education programs.
The national construction strategy must pay special attention to this point: training local talent skilled in AI. This will not only allow Panama to be A consumer of solutions developed in other countries, but also an active producer of innovation in Latin America.
Furthermore, the National AI Strategy is expected to include mechanisms to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government. These links will be crucial to creating an ecosystem that not only adopts technology, but also creates and exports it.
Panama as a Regional AI Hub
With a strategic geographic location, advanced digital infrastructure, and a clear political vision, Panama is well positioned to become a regional hub for AI development. The articulation of public policies such as the national strategy, the interest of productive sectors such as the AIC, and the country's academic potential form a solid foundation on which to build.
However, the real challenge will be to ensure that AI development in the country leaves no one behind. This means prioritizing equity, inclusion, and sustainability as fundamental values of any application of artificial intelligence.
AI development in Panama is at a key moment: with a national strategy in place, advances in industrial sectors, and growing academic interest, the country has the opportunity to consolidate itself as a powerhouse in emerging technologies. The challenge is to transform this potential into tangible results that benefit all Panamanians and strengthen the country's leadership in the region.