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Experts from Aqualia, Ingenostrum, Telefónica, and the Fernández-Vega Ophthalmologic Institute agree on the strategic role of data and technology
Spain, particularly its Northwest region, has the necessary conditions to become a European benchmark in digital infrastructure. This was stated by various representatives from strategic sectors during the roundtable "Technology that Transforms the Northwest," recently organized with the participation of Aqualia, Ingenostrum, Telefónica, and the Fernández-Vega Ophthalmologic Institute.
“The digital infrastructure is practically the only lever we have left to become leaders. And the Northwest has everything it needs to achieve this, especially in data centers,” stated Gabriel Nebreda, CEO of Ingenostrum. However, he warned about the low rate of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in Spain, which stands at only 12%, compared to 58% in the United States and over 60% in China. “It is urgent to reverse this situation if we want to compete in the new digital order,” he added.
From the healthcare sector, Dr. Luis Fernández-Vega highlighted the value of data in clinical practice. “About 120,000 patients pass through our clinic each year, and we perform over 10,000 surgeries. That amount of information allows us to improve our tools and understand in detail everything that happens in the operating room.” However, he reminded that technology should not replace human values in medicine: “My grandfather used to talk about the CICACOA drug: science, care, understanding, and encouragement. Today, we should add a final ‘t’ for technology.”
For his part, Ángel Luis Pérez Buitrago, regional director of Aqualia, emphasized that “whoever has the data has the control.” In his intervention, he recognized the challenges that companies face in digitalizing, especially those that are not used to intensive technology use. “We are a traditional company, with plumbers using their thumbs, and when you require one of those workers to input data with an iPad, the change is not easy,” he exemplified.
The issue of talent was another focus of the debate. Manuel Ángel Alonso, director of Northern Territory for Telefónica, pointed out that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are, in his view, the most behind in technology adoption. “We have to ensure that the impact of these technologies reaches SMEs. We cannot let them be left out,” he affirmed. He also highlighted the potential of professionals from the Northwest, emphasizing the quality of the region’s academic and scientific base.
In conclusion, all participants agreed that the combination of talent, data, technology, and infrastructure positions Spain and the Northwest as a hub with immense potential to lead Europe’s digital future. But to achieve this, they warned, it is necessary to accelerate technological adoption, especially in the more traditional business fabric, and foster a collaborative ecosystem that integrates science, humanity, and technology.
Source: Ingenostrum