en.Wedoany.com Reported - Óscar López, Spain's Minister for Digital Transformation and Public Function, stated at the "Foro Talento España" (Spain Talent Forum) that Spain is transitioning from "speculative Spain" to "entrepreneurial Spain." He emphasized that OpenAI will open its first office in Madrid this year, proving that the country's regulatory approach to artificial intelligence helps enhance competitiveness.
Speaking at the forum about the "turbulent times" the world is currently experiencing, López noted that Spain responds to crises with opportunities, strengthening its position. This is reflected in economic growth data, employment figures, the share of the digital economy in GDP (already reaching 27%), and its appeal to foreign investment. According to data from the Financial Times, Spain ranks fifth globally among countries attracting greenfield investment projects (projects starting from scratch).
Regarding OpenAI's decision to establish an office in Madrid, López believes it shows that Spain's bet on AI regulation will not drive away investment or hinder innovation, but instead make the country more competitive. He added that in the AI field, the key is no longer being the fastest or cheapest, but the most trustworthy.
López cited the Prime Minister's speech at the Cercle d’Economía de Barcelona meeting, stating that thanks to efficient management of European funds, Spain has achieved transformation. These funds will be continued through the sovereign fund "España Crece" (Spain Grows) to maintain growth momentum while expanding and protecting rights. He believes that well-being is an important policy for retaining and attracting talent.
The minister stated that the government has invested in new capabilities needed in today's world and reviewed several initiatives: the National Digital Skills Plan (Plan Nacional de Competencias Digitales) has trained over 2 million people; his department has reached an agreement with the Ministry of Education to strengthen digital skills at all learning stages; the Vocational Training Law (ley de FP) has reformed the education system, deploying over 3,800 centers offering training in big data, cloud computing, or 5G; university chairs in AI, cybersecurity, and chips have injected innovation into dozens of universities across Spain; the Public Employment Plan (Oferta de Empleo Público) will add 1,600 new ICT professional positions, specializing in AI, cybersecurity, or data science.
López listed strategic achievements: Spain ranks fourth in the EU and eleventh globally in higher education enrollment; second globally in producing ICT higher education graduates, behind only the United States; ninth globally in scientific research paper output; and has created nearly 500,000 jobs in STEM fields in recent years. He urged not to stop, as the Fourth Industrial Revolution is the most dynamic, fastest, and most unpredictable of all revolutions.
The minister emphasized that Spain needs more and better engineers, bakers, teachers, and physicists, and increasingly needs AI experts to discover new chemical products or accelerate supply chains. He believes that investment must be made now in skills needed for emerging technologies such as quantum network defense or ocean data centers, and stated that the Spanish government is working toward this goal.
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