2026 marks a turning point in the Spanish economy, solidifying artificial intelligence (AI) as a structural change driver, comparable to the emergence of cloud computing. After two years of trials, AI has transitioned from a promise to a transformative reality. According to Accenture, 78% of Spanish companies plan to increase their investment in AI this year, driven by optimism: 87% of executives expect solid revenue growth from this technology. However, the market faces its biggest challenge to date. Alberto García Arrieta, general director of Data & AI at Accenture Spain and Portugal, notes that AI now absorbs between 10% and 15% of the technology budget of many companies, integrating into major digital transformation programs. The most advanced companies are already seeing productivity improvements in areas like customer service, operations, and IT within 12 to 18 months, although the environment is becoming increasingly demanding. The Deutsche Bank Research Institute warns that the "honeymoon" with AI is over. Analysts foresee a 2026 of "disillusionment and distrust" as pilot projects confront operational realities, where a lack of quality data is a significant obstacle. The IMF warns that a downward revision of productivity expectations could trigger an "abrupt financial correction," while companies like OpenAI face multi-million dollar expenses. The initial euphoria for generative AI may lead to frustration if technological infrastructure and internal capabilities are not strengthened. García Arrieta emphasizes that the real risk lies in expectations: only those who approach AI as a systemic change are capturing real value. Valero Marín, president of IndesIA, states that AI is redefining processes and business models. Spain has an advantage due to its large companies in banking, energy, and industry, but Marín warns that it is crucial not to leave SMEs behind. The "bubble" in some segments of generative AI stems from a lack of strategies aligned with business objectives. He argues that real value will come from training and support, preventing European regulation from hindering smaller companies. García Arrieta agrees that the impact of AI is concentrated in data-intensive sectors such as banking, energy, industry, telecommunications, and retail. Spain has technological talent, innovation hubs, and engineering capacity that can make it a European reference if investment and public-private collaboration are maintained. AI in 2026 not only assists but also autonomously executes tasks. According to Globant, agentic AI represents 17% of the generated value. Examples in Spain include: - PayFit Copilot, which resolves payroll and vacation queries for 220,000 employees. - MyStreetBook, with its "Ethical Algorithm" to regulate sustainable tourism in Europe. - Globant, which employs AI in factories to anticipate failures and optimize the supply chain. - Across Legal, which strengthens its strategy with AI experts for M&A and Venture Capital operations. However, a gap persists in employee preparedness. Accenture's Pulse of Change report reveals that while 90% of executives believe their staff is trained, only 52% of employees feel prepared. Álex Puig from Context Protocol highlights the need for trust and transparency mechanisms. Francesc Cuenc from Múltiplo speaks of a "silent cultural resistance" to AI adoption. Valero Marín warns that the perception of threat may slow down adoption. The key, according to Learning Heroes, is to promote "AI Thinking" and integrate natural and algorithmic intelligence. Javier Sáez highlights trends like Vibe Coding, which allows for complex software creation using natural language. The debate about employment remains open. Economists like Tiffany Wilding (PIMCO) warn that AI could reduce labor participation, but in Spain, there is a focus on reskilling towards high-value profiles, such as digital ethics managers or algorithm auditors. David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs, views AI as an unprecedented productivity tool, moving away from the "job apocalypse" narrative. Success in 2026 will depend on integrating AI into corporate culture. Mercedes Oblanca, president of Accenture Spain, concludes that the challenge is to build an ecosystem where humans and AI agents collaborate agilely and results-oriented. (Source: elperiodico.com)