Colombia Launches 'Smart Colombia' Initiative to Fund Science and Technology Projects Based on Artificial Intelligence

In Colombia, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has launched the 'Smart Colombia' initiative, which aims to invest $9.4 billion in financing science, technology, and innovation projects based on artificial intelligence. The initiative seeks to address regional challenges and promote inclusive and sustainable innovation. It envisions cooperation between various sectors and entities to develop innovative solutions [ab961f65].

The 'Smart Colombia' initiative aims to demonstrate the potential of artificial intelligence and aviation technologies in practical applications to improve the quality of life for Colombian citizens. It also aims to promote scientific careers and improve skills in research, technology, and innovation. Proposals for funding must be submitted in collaboration between an entity from the National Science, Technology, and Innovation System and a company in the country [ab961f65].

The launch of the 'Smart Colombia' initiative comes at a time when concerns have been raised about the reduced budget allocated to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. There have also been complaints of workplace harassment and restrictions on the use of royalty funds for science and technology. Only 5% of available royalty resources have been implemented for 2023-2024, raising questions about the effectiveness of the portfolio [ab961f65].

The 'Smart Colombia' initiative is an important step towards fostering innovation and collaboration in the field of science and technology in Colombia. By investing in artificial intelligence projects and promoting scientific careers, the initiative aims to drive progress and improve the quality of life for Colombian citizens.

In addition to the 'Smart Colombia' initiative, Colombia is also focusing on artificial intelligence through the 'Science in Cordoba Dialogue' course. The course, organized by the Secretariat of Science and Technology of the Ministry of Production, Science and Technological Innovation of the Province of Córdoba, aims to facilitate access to scientific knowledge and critical thinking about current problems and topics. The opening meeting of the course was held at the Evita Museum – Ferreira Palace, where four scientists discussed the topic of digital intelligence and its challenges. The course had about 80 participants, including scholars specializing in communication, philosophy, and technology [f7a8d7d6].

The 'Science in Cordoba Dialogue' course in Córdoba, Colombia, aims to create sustainable spaces for dialogue between science and society and to provide scientific information to fuel discussions and critical thinking. The speakers at the opening meeting discussed various aspects of artificial intelligence, including its intersection with capitalism, the ways in which systems are built, and the ethical considerations surrounding it [f7a8d7d6].

The 'Smart Colombia' initiative and the 'Science in Cordoba Dialogue' course both highlight Colombia's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the field of science and technology, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. These initiatives aim to address regional challenges, promote inclusive and sustainable innovation, and improve the quality of life for Colombian citizens.