Brazil leads the adoption of AI in Latin America, with São Paulo, Curitiba and Niterói at the forefront, reveals new research

Cities around the world are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to increase productivity, optimize services and strengthen their economies, according to a global study conducted by ServiceNow and Deloitte, in partnership with ThoughtLab, leading company in research on technological trends. The research revealed that 56% of cities already use AI to enhance government management and public services, while 83% plan to adopt this technology in the next three years. The study also shows the acceleration in the use of generative AI (GenAI), with 87% of cities already planning, testing or implementing this technology to generate content and analyses. Currently, 18% of cities use generative AI, but this number will triple to 59% in the next three years

The study, titled"Cities of the Future Powered by AI", analyzed the plans, investments and practices of a diverse set of cities in 78 countries, taking into account different income levels and population sizes, ranging from 50 thousand to over 37,1 million inhabitants. The results indicate that artificial intelligence is already being applied in various urban areas

• 65%cities are testing or using AI to optimize government operations
• 64%to improve public transport
• 62%to monitor and respond to urban risks
• 60%to manage urban infrastructure more efficiently
• 60%to promote sustainability
• 57%to improve the quality of life of the population

Cities that have already implemented artificial intelligence report several benefits, as economic growth, risk reduction, cost efficiency and greater public engagement, in addition to improvements in health and public safety

The path to leadership in AI

To identify the leading cities in the use of AI, ThoughtLab created a maturity model that assesses levels of technology adoption, digital foundations and control mechanisms. Leading cities are better prepared to face urban challenges, are more resilient and are well-positioned for the future. These cities achieved leadership by following eight essential steps

1. Strategic commitmentdevelop a clear vision of how AI can transform their economy and infrastructure, ensuring adequate budget
2. Solid foundation of data and ITintegrate data from various urban sources into secure cloud platforms, with automated and scalable processes
3. Training and talent managementthey invest in training qualified professionals to lead AI initiatives with 59% of leading cities having an AI chief
4. Promotion of innovationthey collaborate with private companies, public sectors and non-profit organizations to share expertise and access to data and talent
5. Scale of AI and GenAIthey rapidly expand the use of these technologies in all areas of urban management
6. Integration with other technologiescombine AI with cloud computing, biometrics, cybersecurity, IoT and data analysis to maximize results
7. Data securityuse advanced systems to mitigate cyber risks, such as automated monitoring and data loss prevention tools
8. Responsible use of AIestablish guidelines for AI governance, data protection and identification of algorithmic biases

Brazilian cities lead the adoption of AI in Latin America

Brazil is standing out as a leader in the adoption of artificial intelligence across Latin America, with São Paulo, Curitiba and Niterói ranked as leaders in AI, while Belo Horizonte, Aracaju, Porto Alegre, Recife and Vila Velha are advancing in AI initiatives. These cities are integrating AI into government operations, мобільність, public security, health and sustainability to improve urban life and efficiency

• São Pauloit is one of the top 10 cities leading the adoption of AI through fraud detection, using artificial intelligence to identify false requests and misuse of public funds in government services
• Curitibais driving environmental sustainability through climate models and forecasts, leveraging AI to support urban resilience
• Niteróiis improving public health services, using AI to analyze trends in diseases and improve the allocation of medical resources
• Belo Horizonteis taking advantage of AI for mobility and transport, especially in traffic management and public transport optimization
• Aracajuapplies AI in security and protection, through video monitoring, crime prediction, response to emergencies and to identify and mitigate cyber attacks on the city's critical infrastructure

Brazilian cities are advancing in urban infrastructure, in AI-driven waste management and cybersecurity, positioning the country as an important participant in the AI-driven urban transformation. As these initiatives expand, Brazil is establishing a benchmark for the adoption of artificial intelligence across Latin America

The study identified the main leading cities in each region

• Latin AmericaCuritiba, Mexico City, Niterói, São Paulo
• North AmericaBoston, Chicago, Нью-Йорк, San Antonio, Seattle, Toronto
• EuropeAmsterdam, Berlin, Bratislava, Ljubljana, Madrid, Marseille, Paris, Stockholm, Vienna
• Asia-PacificBeijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Lucknow, Melbourne, Only, Taipei, Tokyo
• Middle East and AfricaDammam, Harare, Istanbul, Kuwait City