ConnectAmericas: AI-Driven Private Sector Knowledge & Behavioral Research

preparation

This technical cooperation aims to strengthen the Inter-American Development Bank's ability to connect private sector companies in Latin America and the Caribbean with knowledge, business networks, and international market opportunities through the ConnectAmericas platform. It also aims to generate actionable private sector data and insights that enable the IDB to design more effective programs and engagement strategies across the region. To accomplish this, the TC will work on the following specific objectives:  (i) Enhance the ability of private sector companies in Latin America and the Caribbean to identify relevant knowledge resources, training opportunities, and potential business partners through personalized digital guidance on the ConnectAmericas platform. This objective focuses on improving how companies navigate the platform and access relevant opportunities based on their needs, characteristics, and interests by deploying and testing AI-powered tools; (ii) Generate evidence on how artificial intelligence–enabled digital tools influence the way companies search for information, discover opportunities, and build business connections through digital platforms. This objective seeks to understand the effectiveness of AI-driven features in reducing information barriers, facilitating opportunity discovery, and strengthening networking and matchmaking outcomes for firms; (iii) and strengthen the IDB's capacity to leverage private sector data and digital behavioral insights to design more effective programs and engagement strategies. This objective focuses on improving the Bank's ability to organize, analyze, and use integrated firm-level and CA's platform-generated data to better understand company needs, support decision-making, and identify opportunities for private sector engagement across the region. This work builds on prior research conducted by the IDB and George Washington University on the information barriers entrepreneurs face when identifying potential business partners, as well as on complementary big data initiatives within PTI—such as Integra—that compile regional indicators on trade and capital flows, strengthening the analytical foundation for this TC.