DESCRIPTION OF THE INITIATIVE

The Competitiveness, Technology and Innovation Division (IFD/CTI), part of the Vice Presidency of Sectors and Knowledge (VPS), in collaboration with the Vice Presidency of Countries (VPC) of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), invites individuals or teams of researchers to submit research proposals that study the economic impacts and determinants of Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption and development in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The objective is to generate new evidence relevant to innovation policy and private sector development. This is the first in a series of two calls aimed at generating evidence on the implications of AI adoption in economic growth.

WHY ARE WE LAUNCHING THIS CALL?

The diffusion of artificial intelligence (AI) has widespread enthusiasm about its potential impact on productivity growth. AI is expected to substantially benefit the economy and firms productivity by reducing uncertainty through improved predictions, facilitating the automation of various processes, or by boosting the capacity to generate novel ideas for innovation and technological development.

 

However, despite recent progress, the availability of empirical data comprehensively characterizing AI diffusion among firms is still in its incipient stages, especially outside the US. Empirical studies have relied mostly on the use of four data sources: Intellectual property records for AI-producing firms, investment announcements in AI-related technologies on stock markets, AI-related job offers to estimate technology adoption, and firm-level microdata from specific surveys.

 

There is a notorious lack of studies on the impact of artificial intelligence on the performance of firms in Latin America and the Caribbean. The lack of studies on the particularities of AI development and adoption in LAC undermines the quality of AI policy in the region. This call for papers aims to start filling this gap, answering pressuring questions while setting a research agenda for the region.

 

Click here to access the complete text of this call of proposals.

 

WHO CAN SUBMIT A PROPOSAL?

The individual researcher or team leader must be a citizen of one of the IDB’s 48 member countries and have no family members currently working at the IDB Group.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Individual researchers or teams are invited to submit their proposals. Research proposals should meet the following eligibility criteria: 

 

1)      The research proposal should be quantitative in nature and prioritize the study of determinants or economic impacts of AI adoption and development at the firm or industry level in one or several countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

 

2)      Possible research topics to be addressed include (the list of topics is meant to be suggestive and by no means exclusive):

 

  • Making vs buying AI
  • Obstacles to AI adoption
  • AI adoption and job creation and wage structure
  • AI as an input to innovation
  • AI development and firm performance
  • AI adoption and firm productivity
  • Factors related to AI startup creation 
  • Evaluation of policies promoting AI adoption
  • AI and competition
  • AI and scientific production

HOW TO APPLY

  • Interested researchers should submit a research proposal that shall not exceed 2,500 words (excluding CVs, budgets, and references). The proposal shall follow the naming convention LeadResearcherName_AI_2024_Proposal and should include relevant literature with a standard citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).
  • Please include the requested attachments and fill in all fields of the form.
  • All proposals should be submitted in English.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

 

 
Strength of the proposed methodology (25%)

This criterion evaluates the robustness, rigor, and appropriateness of the proposed research methodology. Consider the use of advanced analytical tools and techniques, the soundness of the theoretical framework, and the clarity of the research design.
Novelty and feasibility of access to or generation of data (20%)

This criterion considers the originality of the data sources and the practicality of obtaining or generating the data. Assess the innovative use of data and the potential for new insights. 

 

Relevance to the LAC region and policy implications (20%)

This criterion evaluates the extent to which the research addresses issues pertinent to LAC, including specific regional challenges and opportunities, and the potential for the research to inform policymaking in the region. 

 

Reasonableness and Level of Detail Provided on the Key Assumptions and Their Compatibility with the Technical Proposal (20%)

This criterion the clarity and comprehensiveness of the budget details, ensuring they align with the technical aspects of the proposal.

  

Relevance and significance of the expected results (15%)

This criterion assesses the potential impact of the research findings on the field of AI economics. Consider how the expected results can contribute to this developing field.  

 

SELECTION PROCESS

This call will select a minimum of two research proposals. The evaluation team will be coordinated by Fernando Vargas (IFD/CTI). A selection panel will review the applications and evaluate them based on the evaluation criteria.

AWARD

The IDB will contribute up to US$18,000 for each selected study proposal. The payment schedule will be structured as follows:

 

  • 10% at the signature of the formal agreement between the IDB and the researcher or team leader.
  • 50% upon approval by the IDB of the first draft of the research paper.
  • 40% upon approval by the IDB of the final research paper.

TIMELINE

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CONTACT

Please send your questions to:

 

Fernando Vargas, Senior Specialist IFD/CTI fvargas@iadb.org
Laura López, Consultant IFD/CTI ladyl@iadb.org