The IndesIA association has released the report “Barometer of AI adoption in Spanish SMEs,” which reveals that only 2.13% of SMEs in Spain currently use artificial intelligence (AI) in their operations. This analysis, conducted in collaboration with Accenture, Informa, and Talent Hackers, provides a detailed overview of the use of this technology in the country’s small and medium-sized enterprises.
## Usage of AI by Size and Business Sector
The study, which analyzed over 60,000 SMEs, shows that the use of AI is marginal across all size categories: 2.03% in micro-enterprises (up to 10 employees), 2.38% in small businesses (up to 49 employees), and 2.48% in medium-sized enterprises (up to 249 employees).
The most common uses of AI in SMEs focus on research and development (39.68%), marketing and sales (32.6%), and business administration and management (31%). Among the most utilized technologies are machine learning for data analysis (30.16%), workflow automation (21.78%), and generative AI (19.73%).
By sector, information and communication technologies companies lead in AI usage (8.30%), followed by professional, scientific, and technical activities (3.54%), and administrative activities (1.62%). In contrast, the transportation and storage sector records the lowest usage at 0.32%.
## Adoption of AI by Autonomous Community
The adoption of AI varies significantly among autonomous communities. The Community of Madrid leads with 3.19%, followed by Navarra (2.71%), the Basque Country (2.64%), Asturias (2.34%), and Catalonia (2.26%). On the other hand, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura, and Castilla y León present the lowest rates, with figures below 1.4%.
## Challenges in Training and Education
The report also highlights gaps in artificial intelligence training. Only 1.94% of the 7,203 titles offered by universities in Spain are related to AI. Galicia has the highest proportion of AI training programs (3.95%), followed by the Basque Country (3.81%), surpassing regions with a higher educational offering such as the Community of Madrid and Catalonia.
## Recommendations to Boost Adoption
Valero Marín, president of IndesIA, emphasizes the need to enhance AI adoption for SMEs to be more competitive. “The limited use of AI by SMEs in Spain is a factor that will impact their ability to innovate and be more competitive, which will in turn lead to a more prosperous national economy,” he emphasizes.
IndesIA proposes increasing investment in AI starting with proof of concepts, utilizing available public grants, and investing in employee training to maximize the technology’s potential. The association calls for collaboration between companies and administrations to improve the competitiveness and productivity of Spanish SMEs through effective use of artificial intelligence.
Source: [IndesIA](https://www.indesia.org/indesia-publica-el-informe-barometro-de-adopcion-de-la-ia-en-las-pymes-espanolas/)