Artificial intelligence has become one of today's most transformative technologies, but its adoption is not without its challenges. In Spain, experts and institutions alike agree that the main obstacle is not the technology itself, but rather the lack of planning and strategy in its implementation. From the business sector to public administration, the debate on how to integrate AI effectively, ethically, and securely is more alive than ever.
Recently, several initiatives and statements have highlighted the need to address artificial intelligence with a structured approach. While some experts warn against rushing to adopt solutions without prior analysis, regulatory authorities are strengthening their collaboration to ensure data protection and system oversight. At the same time, training programs like the one launched by the Zaragoza City Council and Microsoft demonstrate that citizens are increasingly demanding knowledge in this area.
The mistake of implementing AI without a strategy
Diego Tuccillo, CEO of Deduce Data Solutions and director of a summer course at the University of Cantabria, has pointed out that the main mistake many companies make is implementing artificial intelligence without a prior strategy . According to Tuccillo, market pressure and the tendency to follow trends lead many organizations to adopt solutions without having identified where they can provide real value. This results in a very low return on investment, even though more and more companies claim to be using AI.
The expert advocates for a progressive approach, based on projects that generate value from the outset, such as predictive maintenance, energy optimization, and automatic defect detection. Artificial intelligence is not conventional software ; it requires a specific infrastructure, prepared data, and a different kind of maintenance. Therefore, before deciding which tool to use, it is essential to conduct a study that identifies the real opportunities for each business.
Human governance and oversight
Beyond the initial strategy, the responsible use of artificial intelligence requires a robust governance framework. In the financial sector, BBVA has created a global AI Transformation area to drive the development of AI agents in Spain with a secure and scalable approach. AI agents do not operate completely autonomously ; their actions are conditioned by permissions, tools, and rules defined by the organization. In banking, for example, certain decisions always require human validation, especially when they have economic or legal implications.
Telefónica, for its part, advocates for a transparent AI model that clearly defines when we are interacting with a machine. The company champions "constructive dissent" as a tool for identifying risks before they become problems. Fostering debate and diverse perspectives helps detect biases, privacy issues, or unintended consequences. In advanced organizations, AI does not replace people, but rather amplifies their talent, always under human supervision.
Regulation and data protection
Coordination between Spanish authorities is also progressing. The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) and the Spanish Agency for the Supervision of Artificial Intelligence (AESIA) held a meeting in A Coruña to discuss collaboration on data protection and the supervision of AI systems. Both institutions agreed to explore controlled testing environments (regulatory sandboxes) for projects involving the processing of personal data, as well as to establish coordination channels for reporting serious incidents.
The meeting also addressed participation in the European Council on Artificial Intelligence and the European Data Protection Board, as well as defining the single point of contact established in the AI ​​Regulation. Digital literacy regarding AI and data protection is another key area of ​​joint action, reflecting the importance of educating citizens on the responsible use of these technologies.
Training for all audiences
Training is precisely one of the cornerstones for the successful adoption of artificial intelligence. The free, online program launched by the Zaragoza City Council and Microsoft has surpassed 3.000 registrations in its first few months. The initiative includes courses for citizens over 16 years of age, municipal employees, and small businesses , with the aim of improving digital skills and employability. The data shows an intergenerational reach: registrations have been received from 16-year-olds to people over 65, with a particularly strong presence in the 36-50 age group.
More than 1.500 public employees have already received training, and nearly 500 have completed the courses. Small businesses and the hospitality sector have also responded, with more than 100 business owners trained in a blended learning format adapted to their schedules. The mayor of Zaragoza, Natalia Chueca, emphasized that digital transformation must reach all sectors , and that this pioneering program helps consolidate the city as a hub for talent and innovation. Microsoft Spain, for its part, underscores that AI training must be accessible, practical, and useful for everyone, regardless of their starting point.
In short, the landscape of artificial intelligence in Spain reflects a promising but nascent stage of maturity. Both the private sector and public administrations emphasize the need for planning, regulation, and training to ensure that AI is not just a passing fad, but a tool that delivers real value ethically. The combination of strategy, governance, regulation, and training appears to be the recipe for artificial intelligence to become an engine of progress, leaving no one behind and ensuring that the systems are secure and transparent.
