Skip to content
Debating Europe Debating Europe

Events

SPAIN – Unlocking the Future: How can new technologies drive productivity and economic growth for everyone?

Our “2024 Voices – Citizens Speak Up!” report highlights Spanish citizens’ mixed views on AI. While they recognise its potential to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth, they also express concerns about its impact on social cohesion.

In this new panel, moderated by Dharmendra Khanani, COO and Chief Spokeperson at Friends of Europe, we brought together:

  • Pilar del Castillo Vera, MEP, European People’s Party
  • Jonas Fernandez, MEP, Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats
  • Raquel Jorge, Policy Analyst, Technology, Trade and International Affairs, Real Instituto Elcano
  • Miguel Escassi, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Google Spain and Portugal

The conversation addressed:

  • Strengthening Europe’s Tech Competitiveness: What policies and infrastructures are needed to ensure Europe’s tech companies can compete with global giants?

Pilar del Castillo Vera underlined the urgent need to invest in advanced digital infrastructures like 5G and 6G networks, noting a €200 billion investment gap in Europe. Jonas Fernandez emphasised that beyond infrastructure, Europe must address fragmentation in the single market and boost private and public investment to foster innovation and support SMEs.

  • Harnessing AI for Economic Growth: How can AI be leveraged to boost productivity while supporting workers through reskilling and job transitions in Spain and the EU?

If fully deployed, AI could contribute up to 8% of Spain GDP, said Miguel Escassi. He stressed that AI could enhance productivity and free up workers for more value-added tasks, but warned that targeted investments in R&D, digital infrastructure, and massive upskilling initiatives are critical to ensure no one is left behind.

  • Boosting Digital Productivity: How can investments in digitalisation, education, and small businesses streamline bureaucracy and foster innovation across Europe?

Raquel Jorge points out that simplifying bureaucracy, strengthening the Capital Markets Union, and ensuring SMEs have access to funding and emerging technologies like AI and semiconductors are key to fostering innovation.
Pilar del Castillo Vera builds on the sentiment, saying what SMEs need most is access to markets, infrastructure, and capital.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.