Carlos López, an experienced executive with a broad background in technology regulation from the Secretary of State and companies like Telefónica, IBM, and Vodafone, will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming edition of the Economic Forum of El Diario Montañés, taking place on Wednesday, April 15, at the Hotel Bahía. His presentation, titled "Business and Technology in the Age of Artificial Intelligence," emphasizes a clear message: the real risk for companies is not adopting artificial intelligence, but failing to understand its utility. López stresses that, although Europe does not lead the technological race, its strategic role goes far beyond mere regulation. According to López, artificial intelligence is not new, as it has existed since the 1950s. What is truly disruptive is the massive expansion of generative AI, which has transformed social and business perceptions, although it essentially represents an evolution of existing technologies, now with extraordinary potential. The public debate on AI swings between apocalyptic visions and enthusiastic stances. López rejects catastrophic narratives that advocate for halting or banning AI, considering it essential to understand its limits: AI lacks improvisation, empathy, and the ability to transfer knowledge across domains. Ignoring these limits diverts attention from real challenges, such as algorithmic transparency and the regulation of high-risk services. In the business realm, López warns that the greatest danger is not incorporating AI, as it leads to a loss of competitiveness against those who do. However, adopting AI without a clear purpose is equally risky. He advises SMEs to first identify their business needs before investing in AI solutions, as knowledge of their own sector is key. Regarding the gap between large companies and SMEs, López points out that it is not a matter of investment, but of knowledge and judgment. Large companies have a solid technological culture, while SMEs must learn to leverage accessible and standardized tools, remembering that the true competitive advantage lies in what AI cannot replicate. On the impact on employment, López clarifies that AI will not eliminate low-skilled jobs but will primarily affect intermediate positions, such as accountants, where automation is more efficient. However, he reminds that all technological revolutions have generated both job destruction and creation, generally resulting in more qualified employment, and that the resulting productivity can translate into better working conditions. Regarding Europe's role, López acknowledges that the continent will not lead AI innovation against the United States and China, but highlights the importance of regulation and the digitalization of the traditional economy as key strategies. The 'AI Act' is, in his opinion, essential, although he warns that regulation alone is not enough to ensure European competitiveness. Finally, López emphasizes the relevance of quantum computing as the next major technological battleground, where only the United States and China currently compete, and which will be crucial for future technological dominance. To entrepreneurs who see AI as something distant, López advises identifying specific areas where AI can add value, seeking reliable advice, and focusing on what distinguishes their business, as the true advantage does not lie in technology accessible to all, but in their own knowledge and experience. Source: eldiariomontanes.es