Digital transformation, the integration of artificial intelligence, and the strengthening of cybersecurity are marking a phase of accelerated change in Andalusian companies. The main challenge is to advance without compromising productivity or financial stability. To this end, Deloitte and ABC have organized a new business meeting at the Casa de ABC, featuring the participation of the Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mines of the Junta de Andalucía, Jorge Paradela, who now leads the Digital Agency of Andalusia (ADA). Companies from various sectors and sizes agree that we are at a crucial moment, similar to the arrival of the internet or mobile telephony, and that adapting to this new era is essential to avoid falling behind. Although steps have already been taken in digitalization, such as task automation, data analysis, and the application of AI in marketing, the executives gathered in Torcuato Luca de Tena's office acknowledge that much remains to be done. Attendees included Pedro Marín (Inerco), Jesús Medina (William Humbert), José María Piñar (Elmya), Francisco Galnares (Syrsa), Eugenio Barroso (MP Ascensores), José Antonio Pérez (Covermanager), Manuel González (Aciturri Aeroestructuras), Raúl Jiménez (ADA), Adolfo Gutiérrez de Gandarilla and Cristóbal Gálvez (Deloitte), and Alberto García Reyes and Álvaro Rodríguez-Guitar (ABC de Sevilla). The digital sector already represents 17.2% of the Andalusian economy, although still below the national average of 20%, according to Minister Paradela, who highlighted the creation of eleven digital employment nodes, such as the agri-food sector in Almería or the aerospace sector in Seville. Since 2021, the Junta has invested 1.4 billion euros in digitalization, achieving advances such as administrative digitalization and the implementation of systems like Séneca, which has been exported to other regions. Additionally, AI projects are being developed to predict school dropout rates and optimize agricultural management. However, the return on investment remains a barrier for many companies. Eugenio Barroso (MP Ascensores) emphasizes the difficulty of justifying these projects financially to management committees, especially when changes may affect production. Pedro Marín (Inerco) highlights the importance of relying on technology consulting firms and collaborating with startups, which have enabled the launch of innovative products such as satellite spill detection systems. José Antonio Pérez (Covermanager) warns that digitalization must have a clear purpose, as changes can quickly render processes obsolete, and reminds that even digital-native companies can fail if they do not properly focus their strategy. Adolfo Gutiérrez de Gandarilla (Deloitte) underscores the opportunity technology offers to compete from anywhere, citing Deloitte's Digitalization Center in Seville, which already has 500 professionals and manages national and international projects. Technological advancement also poses regulatory challenges, as legislation does not always keep pace with innovation. In sectors like aerospace, the adoption of new technologies is evaluated based on efficiency and impact on EBITDA, as explained by Manuel González (Aciturri), who emphasizes the importance of prudence in investments. Education is key to facing these changes, which is why the ADA is introducing robotics and artificial intelligence subjects from primary school, focusing on their practical application. The emergence of AI, evident in tools like Gemini or ChatGPT, will also impact employment, transforming profiles and generating new opportunities, although some traditional positions may be threatened. Francisco Galnares (Syrsa) points out that digitalization is a strategic pillar in his company, always with a clear vision and prioritizing efficiency. Even traditional sectors like winemaking are incorporating AI in areas such as marketing and brand image, achieving significant time and cost savings, according to Jesús Medina (William Humbert). However, security and data protection remain fundamental challenges. José María Piñar (Elmya) advocates for developing proprietary AI models to ensure information protection, especially in sectors like data centers. Source: abc.es