Latin America Could Lose 17 Million Jobs Without Human-Centric and Ethical AI Adoption

Experts caution that the challenge lies not in creating more algorithms, but in building teams capable of working with them. Timia's experience demonstrates that investing in talent drives productivity, innovation, and sustainability.

In a context where artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining business models and the future of work, Latin America faces an imminent risk, as up to 17 million jobs could be lost due to a lack of digital infrastructure and technical training, according to a recent World Bank report.

Experts warn that the challenge is no longer to develop more algorithms, but to prepare people to work with them in a labor market that is evolving faster than educational programs and public policies.

By 2025, most companies in the region had moved from experimenting with generative artificial intelligence to seeking concrete results. However, technological advances do not guarantee progress if they are not accompanied by a solid strategy.

McKinsey studies reinforce this view: 91% of employees already use AI in their work and perceive a positive impact on creativity and critical thinking, but only 13% of companies have managed to scale the technology to multiple use cases. This shows that the challenge is not the tool itself, but rather its comprehensive adoption and the development of the talent that manages it.

In this context, TIMIA, a consulting firm specializing in data applied artificial intelligence, has positioned itself as a success story by demonstrating that the true pillar of innovation is not only technology, but also the human talent that makes it possible.

Since its inception, the company has grown to a team of nearly one hundred professionals, boasting a minimal turnover rate—a rare achievement in the technology sector. It leverages its proprietary AI solution to streamline its human resources processes: the system analyzes resumes, identifies high-potential candidates, and reduces biases in hiring decisions.

"The main objective of the project is to automate and optimize the initial stages of the selection process, allowing the Human Resources team to focus their efforts on the strategic and human phases of the process, such as assessing candidates' skills, experience, and expectations, and making decisions ," said Daniela Tovar, HR Manager at TIMIA.

Thanks to this tool, candidates can be filtered according to technical criteria, experience, and relevant keywords, using semantic analysis and machine learning models. In addition, TIMIA this technology to manage the flow of applications, ensuring structured and traceable tracking of each application.

With the implementation of selection times, these have been substantially reduced, but the difference goes beyond the use of technology. TIMIA developed internal continuing education programs focused on critical thinking, digital ethics, and the practical application of AI. For the organization, this investment in training not only improves productivity but also strengthens team cohesion and sense of purpose.

"Investing in local talent to turn it into a driver of responsible innovation is not just a business decision, but a way to redefine Latin America's role in the digital economy, focusing on people rather than technology," says Daniela Tovar, HR Manager at TIMIA.

With this vision, the consultancy reinforces an idea that is gaining global relevance today: that in the era of applied artificial intelligence, the most valuable resource remains human. If Latin America invests in developing its workforce, it will not only reduce the risk of job loss but could also become a leader in ethical, inclusive AI with a distinct Latin American identity.