The HispanIA 2040 study is a comprehensive analysis of the impact of artificial intelligence on Spain’s future and details strategies for its adoption across all key sectors in the country. Looking ahead to 2040, the report examines how AI can address structural problems ranging from productivity to social welfare and proposes innovative solutions to ensure an equitable and beneficial technological transition for society as a whole. Throughout the report, various applications of AI are explored and both its advantages and challenges are analyzed, emphasizing the importance of regulation, training and investment in digital infrastructure.
According to the study, Spain faces challenges that could define its growth and stability in the coming decades. One of the main challenges is the aging of the population, which will reduce the labor force and increase the demand for social and healthcare services. AI is positioned as a tool to close the productivity gap with other European countries and ensure sustainable development.
– Currently, AI penetration in Spanish SMEs is 8.3 percent, lower than the EU average of 11.1 percent. The study sets an ambitious target for 2040, proposing to reach a rate of 75 percent.
– Investment in intellectual property in Spain represents 3.5 percent of GDP, compared to 5.2 percent in the EU. To catch up with the leading countries in innovation, it is recommended to raise investment to 5.5 percent by 2040.
– Employment in technology- and knowledge-intensive sectors in Spain stands at 4.4 percent, while in the EU it is 5.8 percent. The goal is to reach at least the same figure by 2040, encouraging specialization in digital professions.
Source: HispanIA 2040
The digital transformation of companies is a priority if Spain wants to remain competitive in the global context. However, the study reveals that the adoption of AI in small and medium-sized enterprises remains low and needs to be accelerated.
- Currently, only 20 percent of Spanish SMEs offer ICT training for their employees, compared to 27 percent in the EU. The study recommends that this figure should rise to 35 percent by 2040.
- In terms of exports of goods with high technological value, Spain stands at 8 percent, while in the EU it reaches 14 percent. In order not to fall behind in global competition, the goal for 2040 is to reach 18 percent.
In addition, automating administrative processes, improving digital talent management and increasing investment in digital infrastructure are key factors to ensure that Spanish companies can fully benefit from the AI revolution.
The challenges of artificial intelligence and the need for appropriate regulation
Despite its many benefits, artificial intelligence also presents risks. Automation could displace certain jobs and amplify socioeconomic inequalities if appropriate measures are not taken. The report highlights several recommendations to ensure responsible and ethical development of AI in Spain:
- Increase incentives for the incorporation of AI in SMEs, ensuring that smaller companies can also take advantage of the benefits of this technology.
- Improve training in advanced technologies, promoting the development of digital skills in the workforce so that no one is left behind in the digital transformation.
- Promote research in strategic areas such as cybersecurity and biotechnology, sectors in which AI can play a crucial role in the coming years.
- To avoid bias and discrimination in algorithms, it is necessary to reinforce transparency in the design of AI systems and to establish regulations that guarantee their fair and equitable use.
The HispanIA 2040 report charts a path for the country’s digital transformation, highlighting the enormous potential of artificial intelligence to improve productivity, modernize key sectors and strengthen social welfare. At ALL4 we share this vision of a future where AI is a tool for progress and sustainable growth. Our mission is to actively contribute to this transformation by helping companies adopt AI-based solutions that boost their competitiveness and efficiency. We strongly believe in the need for responsible, accessible and value-oriented AI for society as a whole.
