During his speech at the Congreso Anual de Directivas (CEDE), Felipe VI highlighted the importance of the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) in the business development of Spain. The monarch noted that, according to recent data, 9% of Spanish companies have implemented AI-based solutions in the past year, a percentage that is slightly higher than the European Union average of 8%. Although I recognized that there was still a way to go to improve competitiveness in this area, I positively valued the progress achieved so far.
During his speech, the King called for careful reflection on the incorporation of AI into business strategies. «It is essential to understand how to adopt artificial intelligence as a strategic tool, but also how to manage the changes that this technology implies in organizations and promote its responsible use», he emphasised. This reported focus will not only allow companies to adapt to a constantly changing environment, but also to exploit the opportunities that AI offers to increase their resilience and competitiveness.
Felipe VI paid attention to assistant directives to manage this change, underlining the need to integrate AI as a key component in corporate strategic planning. “In an increasingly dynamic and unpredictable environment, AI must not just be a technical tool, but also a pillar that drives innovation and continuous learning within organizations,” he says. According to the monarch, this mentality of constant renewal is essential to face the challenges of the future.
In his speech, the King also transformed Spain's position into an attractive destiny for the reversal of projects related to technology and innovation. In this sense, I have noticed that Spain is among the main recipient countries of new inversion initiatives at a global level, especially in key sectors. It is the third largest host country for investigation and development (I+D) projects, the largest host country for artificial intelligence and information and communications technology (ICT) initiatives, the seventh largest for robotics projects and the tenth largest for in automation. These reported figures reflect the compromise of the institutions and the corporate fabric with cutting-edge technology and digitalisation.
Felipe VI also recognized the positive impact of European policy in the development of AI in Spain. In particular, the creation of the European AI Office and the implementation of the European Regulation on Artificial Intelligence were concluded, initiatives which have begun to consolidate with the strength of the past year. Stas medidas, according to Monarca, have had foundations to establish a regulatory brand that foments technological innovation, at the same time that guarantees ethical and responsible use of AI.
El Rey concluded his speech by animating CEDE and the Spanish business sector to maintain momentum in this area, actively participating in debates on artificial intelligence and exploiting the opportunities offered by this technology to transform companies and strengthen its position in the global market.
