Negocios y Empresas
Carmen Rodríguez, manager of Inpro: How Artificial Intelligence Improves Communication with Neighbors in Estepa
Paloma Firgaira
2025-12-17
5 min read
The true digital challenge for public administrations does not solely lie in adopting the most advanced technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, but in facilitating the digital lives of all citizens, especially those with fewer resources and access to infrastructure. This is asserted by Carmen Rodríguez, manager of the Provincial Society of Informatics (Inpro), which is dependent on the Diputación de Sevilla, and who also leads the Digital Transformation Office. Rodríguez reflects on the current challenges following the recent XII Innovation and New Technologies Fair held at Fibes.
Since her arrival at Inpro in 2011, Rodríguez has witnessed the low presence of women in positions of technological responsibility. She emphasizes the importance of highlighting the role of women in the sector and fostering vocations from an early age, combating stereotypes that associate computing with a profession lacking empathy and dominated by men.
Regarding digital transformation in Seville, Inpro is responsible for modernizing and providing technical support to the Diputación and municipalities, aiming to improve public services through technology. Rodríguez underscores that the greatest advancements since 2011 have been in both technological evolution and change management among public employees, especially in small municipalities with limited resources.
Continuous training is key for public workers to adapt to the digital environment, although she acknowledges that barriers still exist for many citizens. However, the unification of systems, such as the Cl@ve platform for electronic authentication, has significantly simplified procedures.
The latest edition of the Innovation Fair brought together 46 exhibitors, 70 speakers, and over 1,000 attendees, including students and representatives from universities and tech companies. This event has fostered networking and collaboration among businesses, administrations, and the academic field, promoting the digital development of the province.
Rodríguez points out that Seville houses 42% of Andalusia's ICT companies and that collaboration between large companies and local startups is essential to strengthen the digital ecosystem. Inpro acts as a link for small tech companies to connect with larger ones and access new opportunities.
Regarding Artificial Intelligence, Rodríguez advocates for its ethical and responsible integration into administration, not to completely replace public employees, but to support and optimize processes. Examples like the chatbot implemented in Estepa, which assists citizens with procedures and inquiries, demonstrate the potential of AI applied to municipal services.
Digital connectivity in the province of Seville is high, with 96-97% coverage of fiber and mobile, although there are still areas for improvement. Rodríguez concludes that digital cohesion is essential to attract and retain ICT talent in the region.