Carmen Artigas, Secretary of State for Digitization and Artificial Intelligence, participated in the fifth edition of the Forbes Summit Reinventing Spain. At the event, Artigas recognized that the recovery of Europe passes for a reinvention in digital key, while a greater contribution of the digital economy to GDP. In this sense, it has advanced that, from the Government, it aspires to reach a 40% contribution in 2030, since now it is around 20%.
He participated in the conference together with the CEO of SAP in Spain, Felix Purseand the director of R&D Securitas Direct – Verisure, Angel Piorno, discussed the changing landscape in which companies are currently operating and the challenges and trends in digital transformation that they will have to face during this year.
Artigas has emphasized the importance of the role of SMEs as part of the technological evolution of the country’s business ecosystem. “Spain already has a fabric of large companies that are committed to technology, we find the problem in small and medium-sized companies, we cannot leave them behind. They are key to creating the innovation ecosystem that large companies need«.
In his view, the change involves a transformation of the production model. “It is not only a quantitative change, but also a qualitative one. There has to be a digital reinvention”. Furthermore, he considered that the “great challenge” It is found in how to add SMEs, which account for 90% of the productive fabric of our country, to the digitization bandwagon.
Correct adoption of technologies
Coinciding with Artigas, Monedero and Piorno, they have added that in order to achieve this effective digitization we must be able to ensure that these SMEs acquire a correct adoption of the cloud, AI and cybersecurity, in addition to qualitative data management. “The data is fundamental, a company without good data management will find it difficult to survive”highlighted Piorno.
In parallel, the Secretary of State for Digitization and Artificial Intelligence has defended greater support for entrepreneurship. “Startups must be able to grow and develop in our country, thus creating a favorable ecosystem that attracts innovation and talent.”
During the celebration of the day, in addition, they have reflected on aspects such as the positioning of Spain at an international level, as well as the relevance of employability or education as fundamental assets for economic recovery. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Jose Manuel Albares; the president of the CEOE, Antonio Garamendi; or the deputy mayor of Madrid, Begona Villacis, have been some of the speakers of this fifth edition.
