WEEKLY ANALYSIS: Spain and AI

A quick search of the parties and party leaders on Twitter to see if they are storming ahead on AI in Spain shows…not much. Sánchez chatted about it with some Spanish business leaders in Davos the other day, Sumar is worried about the impact on jobs, Sánchez met with someone from Google in November and with Altman back in May. And it all seems to be from the left. Nothing at all, zip, zero from Vox or the PP on the right.

The secretary of state for Digitisation & AI used to be Carme Artigas (see the mention below) but changed with the new government at the end of last year. Spain’s new AI boss is María Teresa Ledo but she has only just started, and the country’s brand new AI supervision agency is mostly still talked about in the future tense and in terms of how big the fines will be if people get AI wrong, which of course people will because it’s all new and complicated.

Spain got an AI decree in November with the usual strong emphasis on regulation and control, although the promise is of an “innovative” AI “sandbox”. In the real world and the rest of the planet, Microsoft has already put GPT4 and DALL-E on everyone’s smartphones for free and Zuckerberg this week announced a $15 billion AGI push to buy up 600,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs or equivalent computing power.

****GPT wrote the rest of this in a few seconds. As a text, while missing things like current quotes or real-world reporting, it appears coherent enough, and anyone reading, journalist or not, would either already have to know about the sector in-depth or spend time cross-checking all of the different bits. I don’t know where this takes journalism over the next few years, but let me know what you think in the comments*****

In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI), where countries like the United States, China, and several European nations are sprinting ahead, Spain's role might seem less prominent. However, this underestimation belies the nation's burgeoning potential in AI. With a history rich in innovation and a growing tech sector, Spain is quietly but steadily making its mark in the global AI landscape.

While not traditionally viewed as a powerhouse in AI, Spain is making significant strides. Spanish technology companies, though smaller in scale compared to Silicon Valley giants, are increasingly innovative in AI applications, especially in fields like fintech, healthcare, and smart city solutions. Spain's participation in international AI research collaborations, such as those within the European Union, further bolsters its standing. However, when compared to global leaders like the U.S. and China, Spain still has ground to cover in terms of breakthrough AI innovations and investments.

The Spanish government has recognized AI's transformative potential and is actively fostering its growth. Initiatives such as the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, launched in 2020, aim to accelerate AI development and integration across various sectors. Spain also boasts of several AI research institutions and universities offering advanced AI programs, aligning education with the emerging needs of the AI industry. While these efforts are commendable, they often fall short of the scale and intensity of support seen in countries leading the AI race.

In recent statements, Spain has emphasized its commitment to developing and regulating artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly and effectively. A key development in this regard is the creation of the Spanish Agency for the Supervision of Artificial Intelligence (AESIA). This agency represents a significant step in enforcing the AI Act in Spain, which aligns with the country's focus on developing an inclusive, sustainable, and citizen-centered AI, as outlined in the 2026 Spanish Digital Agenda. The AESIA is designed to work in tandem with Spain's Supervisory Authority for data protection, ensuring a comprehensive approach to AI regulation that also respects personal data protection under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Additionally, Spain's junior minister for digital, Carme Artigas, has indicated that the development of AI is a priority for the country. Spain is proactively testing the EU's Artificial Intelligence Act, emphasizing the need for responsible AI systems that are safe, trustworthy, and respect European values. This includes setting up a sandbox environment where companies can test AI systems for law enforcement, health, or education purposes under regulatory oversight. Such initiatives are intended to give European startups and medium-sized companies a headstart in the global AI race, particularly in sectors dominated by big tech firms.

Spain's journey in AI is not without its challenges. Limited funding compared to larger economies, and a smaller pool of AI talent, are significant hurdles. However, these challenges also present unique opportunities. Spain's robust healthcare system and flourishing tourism industry could serve as fertile grounds for AI innovations. Furthermore, Spain's strong cultural and linguistic ties with Latin America could position it as a bridge for AI collaborations and market expansions in the Spanish-speaking world.

Looking forward, Spain is poised to carve a niche in the global AI ecosystem. Focused investments in AI, especially in sectors where Spain already has a competitive advantage, could greatly enhance its global standing. The future might see Spain not just catching up but also leading in specific AI niches, leveraging its unique strengths and strategic partnerships.

Spain's role in the AI landscape is a testament to its potential to adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing technological world. While not at the forefront of the AI revolution, Spain's consistent efforts and strategic positioning hint at a future where it plays a significant role in shaping AI's global trajectory. For Spain, AI is not just a technological venture; it's a key to unlocking a future full of possibilities.