AI implementation in Spain is a rapidly evolving field, with the country making significant strides in various sectors. From the creation of AI models to regulatory sandboxes, Spain is at the forefront of AI innovation and regulation in Europe.
AI in the Spanish Market
Spain has a mature ICT sector, with prestigious businesses such as Telefónica, Amadeus, and Indra leading projects on international markets. The Spanish government’s commitment to digitalisation is strong, as highlighted in the Digital Spain Plan 2025, which features specific strategies to promote technologies crucial for Spain, including AI.
One of the most intriguing examples of AI implementation in Spain is Aitana, the first Spanish model created by AI. Aitana, a creation of the agency The Clueless, has become a sensation, earning up to €10,000 per month and receiving weekly private messages from celebrities.
Regulatory Landscape
Spain is also pioneering the regulation of AI. During its rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, Spain aimed to finalise the European regulation on the use of AI[2]. The Spanish government has also launched a Regulatory Sandbox on AI, providing practical experience through applying various features of AI regulation[4][5].
The Spanish presidency has made significant mediation attempts on foundation models, suggesting penalties for violations of the AI Act’s obligations[10]. Spain’s national AI strategy also included the creation of a public observatory of algorithmic social impact as early as 2020[13].
AI in Education
AI has also found its way into the Spanish education sector. AI facilitates student access to high-quality educational resources, provides real-time feedback, and personalises learning materials to the level of each student. It also helps automate administrative tasks, allowing educators to focus more on teaching[7].
AI Investment and Strategy
Spain is well placed to become a leading voice in innovation and technological development. The country has invested heavily in ICTs and infrastructure, such as high-performance computing facilities capable of processing massive volumes of data[9].
The Coordinated Plan on AI aims to accelerate investment in AI, implement AI strategies and programmes, and align AI policy to prevent fragmentation within Europe. The plan outlines a vision to accelerate, act, and align priorities with the current European and global AI landscape[11].
Spain’s National AI Strategy: A Deep Dive
Spain’s National AI Strategy, released in December 2020, is a comprehensive policy framework that outlines various actions for the successful deployment and development of AI in the country. The strategy adopts a multidisciplinary approach to address economic, social, environmental, public management, and governance challenges. It aims to boost the growth of AI in the Spanish economy in the coming years while ensuring a smooth alignment with EU policy.
The strategy is defined by six axes, each with a series of actionable measures to support the realization of the strategy’s objectives. These measures include investment in (post) doctoral programs for AI research, the launch of a SpAIn talent hub, creation of the Data Office and Chief Data Officer, development of a National Green Algorithms Program, and the creation of a Digital Bill of Rights.
Key Objectives of the National AI Strategy
The National AI Strategy aims to promote the development of human capital in AI through the provision of training and education opportunities, the stimulation of Spanish talent, and the attraction of global talent towards Spain. It also seeks to develop scientific excellence in the field of AI to promote Spain as a leading country in AI development.
The strategy is backed by a public investment of €600 million and aims to achieve seven key objectives. These objectives focus on ensuring rights, reducing social inequality, and promoting innovation, with a focus on the wellbeing of citizens.
Regulatory Framework and Supervision
In line with its National AI Strategy, Spain has established the Spanish Agency for the Supervision of Artificial Intelligence (AESIA), the first AI supervisory authority in the EU. The AESIA is expected to be operational within a year and will set forth guidelines to implement the requirements of the AI Act[7].
The creation of the AESIA reflects Spain’s proactive approach to AI regulation. It is an early outcome of the country’s Digital Agenda 2026 and a tangible result of the National AI Strategy. The AESIA will focus on ensuring compliance with the EU AI Act and supervising its implementation.
Spain’s Role in the EU AI Regulation
Spain has played an active role in the EU’s AI regulation. During its rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, Spain aimed to finalise the European regulation on the use of AI. The Spanish presidency has made significant mediation attempts on foundation models, suggesting penalties for violations of the AI Act’s obligations.
In conclusion, Spain’s National AI Strategy is a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to AI development and regulation. With its focus on human capital, scientific excellence, and robust regulation, Spain is positioning itself as a leader in the global AI landscape.
FAQs
Q: What is the Spanish government’s stance on AI?
A: The Spanish government is strongly committed to the digitalisation of the country, with AI being a crucial part of this strategy. They have launched various initiatives, including the Digital Spain Plan 2025 and a Regulatory Sandbox on AI[4][8].
Q: How is AI being used in Spain?
A: AI is being implemented in various sectors in Spain, from the creation of AI models like Aitana to its use in the education sector for personalised learning and administrative efficiency[1][7].
Q: What is the regulatory landscape for AI in Spain?
A: Spain is at the forefront of AI regulation in Europe. It has been actively involved in finalising the European regulation on the use of AI and has launched a Regulatory Sandbox on AI[2][4].
Q: How is Spain investing in AI?
A: Spain has invested heavily in ICTs and infrastructure, such as high-performance computing facilities. The Coordinated Plan on AI aims to accelerate investment in AI, implement AI strategies and programmes, and align AI policy to prevent fragmentation within Europe[9][11].
In conclusion, AI implementation in Spain is a dynamic and evolving field. The country is not only embracing AI in various sectors but also leading the way in AI regulation in Europe. With its strong commitment to digitalisation and investment in AI, Spain is well-positioned to be a global leader in AI implementation.
Citations:
[1] https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/01/20/meet-the-first-spanish-ai-model-earning-up-to-10000-per-month
[2] https://spanish-presidency.consilium.europa.eu/en/news/eu-pioneers-regulation-artificial-intelligence/
[3] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/european-approach-artificial-intelligence
[4] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/events/launch-event-spanish-regulatory-sandbox-artificial-intelligence
[5] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/first-regulatory-sandbox-artificial-intelligence-presented
[6] https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/the-artificial-intelligence-implementation-challenge-in-the-european-union-and-spain/298901
[7] https://www.cis-spain.com/en/blog/the-benefits-of-ai-in-education/
[8] https://www.investinspain.org/en/industries/ict
[9] https://portal.mineco.gob.es/RecursosArticulo/mineco/ministerio/ficheros/National-Strategy-on-AI.pdf
[10] https://www.euractiv.com/section/artificial-intelligence/news/ai-act-spanish-presidency-makes-last-mediation-attempt-on-foundation-models/
[11] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/plan-ai
[12] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dxctechnology_dxc-technology-delivers-ai-powered-automation-activity-7084486817088995328-92KW
[13] https://algorithmwatch.org/en/what-to-expect-from-europes-first-ai-oversight-agency/
[14] https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=e7b0f94d-6e66-4fae-8878-5fbe1eee17de
[15] https://www.adigital.org/spain-a-european-digital-hub/
[16] https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prEUR250530123
[17] https://www.euractiv.com/section/artificial-intelligence/news/ai-act-spanish-presidency-sets-out-options-on-key-topics-of-negotiation/
[18] http://espanadigital.gob.es/en/implementation-agenda
[19] https://apolitical.co/solution-articles/en/artificial-intelligence-in-public-service-benefits-risks-and-what-to-expect-in-the-future
[20] https://www.asebio.com/en/news-events/news/biospain2023interview-quality-spanish-healthcare-system-ensures-perfect-knowledge
[21] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13218-021-00735-5
[22] https://www.capgemini.com/news/press-releases/three-spanish-hospitals-use-privacy-preserving-artificial-intelligence-to-help-the-speed-and-accuracy-of-covid-19-screening/
[23] https://www.euractiv.com/section/artificial-intelligence/news/spanish-presidency-pitches-obligations-for-foundation-models-in-eus-ai-law/
[24] https://www.state.gov/artificial-intelligence-for-accelerating-progress-on-the-sustainable-development-goals-addressing-societys-greatest-challenges/
[25] https://www.oecd.org/tax/forum-on-tax-administration/publications-and-products/tax-adminsitration-3.0-spain-country-example.pdf
