National Strategy On AI

Version 1.
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NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 1
0. PROLOGUE 2
I. INTRODUCTION 5
II. GOALS OF THE STRATEGY 14
III. ACTION PLAN 17
STRATEGY LINE 1. P r o m o t e s c i e n t i fi c r e s e a r c h , t e c h n o l o g i c a l
development and innovation in AI. 22
STRATEGY LINE 2. P r o m o t e d i g i t a l c a p a b i l i t i e s , e m p o w e r
n a t i o n a l t a l e n t a n d a t t r a c t g l o b a l s k i l l s i n t h e fi e l d o f A I . 30
STRATEGY LINE 3. D e v e l o p d a t a p l a t f o r m s a n d t e c h n o l o g i c a l
infrastructures in support of AI. 40
STRATEGY LINE 4. I n c o r p o r a t e a i i n t o v a l u e c h a i n s t o t r a n s
form the economic fabric. 48
STRATEGY LINE 5. Enhance the use of ai in government

administration and in national strategic missions. 56
STRATEGY LINE 6. Establish an ethical and regulatory framework that

reinforces the protection of individual and collective rights, in order to
guarantee inclusion and social welfare . 64
IV. SUMMARY OF MEASURES 71
V. GOVERNANCE 74
ABBREVIATIONS
ANNEX 1. MATRIX OF THE RELATION BETWEEN AIMS AND STRATEGY LINES 78
ANNEX 2. THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE RESPONSE TO 81

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
ACRONYMS 84
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 87
NOVEMBER 2020
PROLOGUE
I
ngenuity and the entrepreneurial spirit have
always driven mankind to seek improvement and
to resolve problems as they arise. During the
twentieth century, human intelligence enabled
the development of technologies that opened up new
horizons in our economic and social systems,
fostering extraordinary advances in science, industry
and services, in resource allocation, public
management, governance and the welfare state.
One such technology is that of artificial intelligence (AI),

which has impacted all areas of activity, throughout the
world, catalysing research and innovation, and making
the generation, storage and processing of ‘Big Data’ an
economic sector in itself in the new scenario of digital
and technological development. In consequence, a
dramatic transformation is taking place in many sectors,
including environmental protection; energy; industry;
tourism; transport; mobility and logistics; food
production; banking and insurance; retail commerce;
construction; creative and cultural industries; and vital
strategic sectors such as health, education and national
security.
The Spanish Government is resolved to promote the

development of AI and its integration into the productive
fabric, the economy and society. This public leadership
will play a crucial role in ensuring that technological
development is always for the public benefit, helping
safeguard our values and rights and the welfare state.
Appropriate action in health, education, justice and
social welfare, together with the provision of an effective
system of public benefits, are fundamental to the
national good and a hallmark of Spain’s identity. Building
on basic research and innovation, and using the results
obtained to modernise our productive fabric, underpin
key areas of public activity and enhance digital skills
training programmes, AI can be an important vector of
economic growth, creating a virtuous cycle of action and
reaction between technology and our political, social,
economic and industrial systems.
With the growing presence of AI throughout the

productive economy, the inclusion of women at all levels
of skills training, production, science and technology is
an issue of the utmost importance. Technological
advances must be employed as a means of eliminating
the many gaps still apparent in our country, according to
gender, age, urban vs. rural living, financial means and
education.
The central question underlying the development and spread of AI is that of

the ethical dimension. The widespread use and management of data through
the application of algorithms and autonomous systems has multiple ethical
and moral implications. In consequence, appropriate processes and control
mechanisms must be employed to protect our values, principles and rights.
Among other initiatives, the present Strategy includes the development of a
Digital Rights Charter and the creation of mechanisms to supervise the ethics
of AI, in order to facilitate consensus on a suitable framework for this
technological development.
T h i s N a t i o n a l S t r a t e g y i s n o t p r o p o s e d a s a d e fi n i t i v e , c l o s e d d o c u m e n t , o f a
m e r e l y a d m i n i s t r a t i v e n a t u r e , b u t r a t h e r a s a d y n a m i c a n d fl e x i b l e f r a m e w o r k ,
open to contributions from the business world, the general population, social
agents and other public administrations. The Government has undertaken this
project from an inclusive perspective, seeking to integrate all elements of
society, and thus achieve an inclusive, sustainable economy. It is also a
shared commitment with our European partners, aimed at helping the EU
become a leader in the deployment of inclusive, ethical, reliable and
e c o n o m i c a l l y e f fi c i e n t A I .
Spain has made great progress and is well placed to become a leading voice,
in Europe and throughout the world, in innovation and technological
development. Its tightly-woven infrastructure, the leading role played in the
rollout of 5G technology (crucial for big data development), the strength of
the university system and capabilities in key areas such as high-performance
computing, cybersecurity, AI itself and other digital-enabling technologies,
provide a solid basis with which to address intense digitalisation and
technological disruption.
T h e s e f a c t o r s , t o g e t h e r , r e p r e s e n t a m a g n i fi c e n t o p p o r t u n i t y f o r u s t o p u t t h e
digital transition into practice, focusing public actions on people’s needs and
interests, ensuring that none are left behind and safeguarding the
fundamental rights and values on which European societies are based.
Pedro Sánchez Castejón

PRESIDENT OF THE GOVERNMENT
November 2020
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE?
Just as human intelligence is hard to define, no formal, universally-accepted definition has

yet been established for Artificial Intelligence (AI). T h e E u r o p e a n C o m m i s s i o n
r e c e n t l y p r o p o s e d t h e f o l l o w i n g : “ A r t i fi c i a l i n t e l l i g e n c e ( A I ) s y s t e m s a r e
software (and possibly also hardware) systems designed by humans that,
given a complex goal, act in the physical or digital dimension by perceiving
their environment through data acquisition, interpreting the collected
structured or unstructured data, reasoning on the knowledge, or processing
the information, derived from this data and deciding the best action(s) to take
to achieve the given goal. AI systems can either use symbolic rules or learn a
numeric model, and they can also adapt their behaviour by analysing how the
environment is affected by their previous actions.”1
Although AI first appeared as an academic discipline in 1956, it subsequently underwent

various cycles in which periods of high expectation alternated with others when less
attention was paid to this topic. I n i t i a l s y s t e m s w e r e b a s e d o n h u m a n
programming and pre-set decision-making processes, but the recent
conjunction of several crucial factors has produced an exponential leap in the
c a p a b i l i t i e s a n d i n fl u e n c e o f A I , w h i c h i s n o w e x p a n d i n g i r r e v e r s i b l y w i t h i n
economic and social structures, via autonomous systems that are capable
both of learning and of setting their own programmes for action, through the
a n a l y s i s o f l a r g e v o l u m e s o f d a t a . I n t h i s r e s p e c t , s i g n i fi c a n t e n a b l i n g f a c t o r s
include:
• The enormous growth in the amount of data available
• Advances in the power and capacity of computing and storage systems.
• Successful research and development of new algorithms and machine learning

methods.
¹https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/bitstream/JRC118163/jrc118163_ai_watch._defining_artificial_intelligence_1.pdf
The great potential of AI rests in the fact that many such systems are able to
solve complex problems, through the application of advanced programming
techniques, without prior knowledge of the steps required and without
r e c e i v i n g s p e c i fi c i n s t r u c t i o n s , u n l i k e c o n v e n t i o n a l c o m p u t e r p r o g r a m s .
Inputs to AI systems may take many forms (for example, cases or examples),
and from these the system adjusts its internal models until a solution to the
problem is found.
AREAS IN WHICH AI IS CURRENTLY BEING APPLIED
In addition to its presence in daily activities (Internet search engines, personal assistants,
household appliances, e-commerce recommendations, the robotisation of computer or
physical processes, etc.), as well as in multidisciplinary areas of research, AI has great
potential in many areas of professional activity and of services: i n h e a l t h c a r e , h e l p i n g
design new drugs, reducing production times and costs, preventing
diagnostic errors, enhancing the prevention of common diseases and
enabling personalised treatment; in the materials industries, creating new
biomaterials for engineering applications, raising business productivity,
streamlining administration, optimising resources, automating processes
a n d f a c i l i t a t i n g t h e p r e d i c t i o n o f d e m a n d ; i n t h e fi n a n c i a l s p h e r e , m a k i n g r i s k
m a n a g e m e n t s y s t e m s m o r e e f fi c i e n t ; i n e d u c a t i o n , f a c i l i t a t i n g t h e a d a p t a t i o n
of learning to personal needs; in transport, mobility and logistics, improving
m a n a g e m e n t , e f fi c i e n c y a n d s e c u r i t y ; i n t e r m s o f e n v i r o n m e n t a l i m p a c t ,
i m p r o v i n g t h e m a n a g e m e n t o f e n e r g y n e t w o r k s a n d t h e t h e r m a l e f fi c i e n c y o f
buildings, mitigating the effects of climate change and predicting weather
and climate patterns, among other applications. Moreover, in recent months,
AI has played an important role in the response made to the COVID-19
pandemic, as described in Annex 2.
In short, AI has great transformative potential, from technological, economic,

environmental and social standpoints, thanks to its intersectoral penetration, powerful
impact, rapid growth and important contribution to improved competitiveness.
SECTORS WITH THE GREATEST EXPECTED AI IMPACT IN THE SHORT/MEDIUM TERM
Telecommunications 12,8%
Financial services (insurance) 12,1%
Retail and Distribution 11,4%
Health care 11,4%
Financial services (banking) 10,7%
Tourism 9,4%
Energy and utilities 7,4%

Industry, manufacturing and
automotive 7,4%
Communications media 6,7%
Services 4,7%
Administration 3,4%
Construction 2,7%
Source: AI in Spain: Current reality and perspectives (Realidad y perspectivas de la IA en España) (PWC & Microsoft, 2018)
CURRENT SITUATION OF AI IN SPAIN
Spain is favourably placed to address this technological and scientific revolution. It has the
necessary high-quality infrastructure for the development and application of AI-related
activities, having invested heavily in information and communication technologies (ICTs)
and infrastructure, such as high-performance computing facilities capable of processing
massive volumes of data. A A d v a n c e s i n A I a r e f u r t h e r d r i v e n b y t h e e x i s t e n c e o f
excellent public and private R&D&I groups, the steady progress achieved in
the digitalisation of government administration and Spanish corporate
presence in key sectors (such as telecommunications, retail trade,
d i s t r i b u t i o n , h e a l t h , m o b i l i t y , c o n s t r u c t i o n , fi n a n c i a l s e r v i c e s , t o u r i s m a n d
agri-food). The joint impact of these factors provides a solid foundation for
the integration and rollout of AI in our country.
H o w e v e r , t h i s p r o c e s s a l s o p o s e s s i g n i fi c a n t c h a l l e n g e s , i n c l u d i n g t h e n e e d
to:
• Increase t h e d i g i t a l s k i l l s o f t h e p o p u l a t i o n , e s p e c i a l l y t h o s e o f p e o p l e i n
or at risk of social exclusion.
• Accelerate t h e d i g i t a l i s a t i o n o f s m a l l a n d m e d i u m - s i z e d e n t e r p r i s e s
(SMEs).
• Promote t h e c r e a t i o n o f d a t a s t o r e s a n d f a c i l i t a t e a c c e s s t o t h e m .
• Improve t h e e f fi c i e n c y a n d p r o d u c t i v i t y o f p u b l i c s e r v i c e s .
• Stimulate c o l l a b o r a t i o n a n d i n c r e a s e p u b l i c a n d p r i v a t e i n v e s t m e n t i n
R&D&I.
Consolidating and expanding the AI ecosystem in Spain is essential for the proper
integration of the R&D&I, economic and industrial assets created by technological
development. T h e e f f e c t i v e i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f A I w i l l a l s o o p t i m i s e t h e
application of human potential in economic activities and contribute to
achieving synergies between the productive and social systems.
The inclusion and use of the Spanish language in AI should be promoted

through the development of tools for this purpose, and their incorporation
and application in a broad range of technologies and services. Good practices
for the Spanish-language application of AI solutions should be developed and
recommended.
Public authorities should inspire and lead these activities, t o e n s u r e t h a t

t e c h n o l o g i c a l d e v e l o p m e n t b e n e fi t s s o c i e t y a n d b u t t r e s s e s t h e s o c i a l w e l f a r e
system. In this respect, our healthcare, education, justice and dependency
b e n e fi t s s t r u c t u r e s a r e t h e c o r n e r s t o n e a n d t h e h a l l m a r k o f S p a n i s h i d e n t i t y .
AI must contribute to consolidating our welfare state, providing the data and
other aspects needed to promote innovation and technological development
by and for society, thus creating a positive feedback loop between technology
and our political, social, economic and industrial systems.
AI RESOURCES IN EUROPE
Digital Innovation Hubs - D i g i t a l I n n o v a t i o n H u b s

Al Study Topics - Al Study Topics
Human resources in science and technology (% share of economically active population)
< 28 28 - 38 38 - 46 46 - 54 > 54
Source: European Commission²

² https://s3platform.jrc.ec.europa.eu/digital-innovation-hubs-tool
WHY HAVE A NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR AI?
The above considerations underline the need to set in motion a National Strategy for
Artificial Intelligence, to properly structure the actions taken by different administrations
and to provide a reference framework to stimulate public and private sector involvement
in this area. T h e p r o m o t i o n o f A I i s o n e o f t h e m a i n e l e m e n t s o f Spain’s Digital
2025 Agenda, p r e s e n t e d i n J u l y 2 0 2 0 . A c t i o n A r e a 9 i n t h i s d o c u m e n t f o c u s e s o n
D a t a E c o n o m y a n d A r t i fi c i a l I n t e l l i g e n c e , b a s e d o n p r e p a r a t o r y w o r k
conducted for the Agenda for Change3 (presented in February 2019); on
p r o g r a m m e s t o s u p p o r t D i g i t a l E n a b l i n g T e c h n o l o g i e s 4; a n d o n t h e S p a n i s h
R & D & I S t r a t e g y f o r A r t i fi c i a l I n t e l l i g e n c e ( p r e s e n t e d i n M a r c h 2 0 1 9 ) . T h e
Digital 2025 Agenda is a vital cross-cutting initiative to transform the
productive fabric and to strengthen the Spanish economy.
However, the Strategy does not address AI merely as a field for scientific research and for
boosting business innovation and industrial development. I t h a s t h e p o t e n t i a l t o
transform not just the economy but multiple aspects of society, including the
operation of public services and the transparency of government
administrations as well as address major societal challenges such as the
gender gap, the digital gap or ecological transition.
To respond appropriately to the impact of accelerated technological change, an

interdisciplinary approach s h o u l d b e t a k e n , f o c u s i n g o n p e o p l e a n d o n t h e
environment, and incorporating a broad range of perspectives, including
computer engineering, technical engineering, mathematics, biology,
neuroscience, sociology, psychology, economics, physics, earth and
environmental sciences, law and the humanities. Only thus can we ensure
that AI is employed within a framework that preserves our democratic values
and maintains respect for individual and collective rights.
Various challenges must be faced in deploying advances in AI, such as raising

awareness of the tasks to be addressed, supporting private investment in the
fi e l d , m a k i n g g o o d u s e o f A I c a p a b i l i t i e s t o o v e r c o m e e c o n o m i c , s o c i a l a n d
environmental problems, and optimising public management or governance.
Moreover, Spain should seek to reinforce its position in European and
international affairs. This point will be addressed in the future National
Strategy for Technology and the Global Order.
³http://www.mineco.gob.es/stfls/mineco/ministerio/ficheros/190208_agenda_del_cambio.pdf
4
European Commission. Preparing for our future: Developing a common strategy for key enabling technologies in the EU. Communication of the European
Commission COM (2012) 341 final. https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/sites/eacea-site/files/information_note_on_kets_blueprint.pdf
ALIGNMENT WITH EU POLICY
This National Strategy has been prepared to reflect the shared commitment with our
European partners to make the EU a leading player in this field. T h i s c o m m i t m e n t i s
i n c l u d e d i n t h e D i g i t a l A g e n d a f o r E u r o p e 5, t h e A I f o r E u r o p e S t r a t e g y 6
a d o p t e d i n 2 0 1 8 , t h e A I C o o r d i n a t e d P l a n o n A r t i fi c i a l I n t e l l i g e n c e 7 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 7 ,
t h e O E C D d o c u m e n t M e a s u r i n g t h e d i g i t a l t r a n s f o r m a t i o n 8, t h e W h i t e P a p e r
o n A r t i fi c i a l I n t e l l i g e n c e 9 , p u b l i s h e d i n F e b r u a r y 2 0 2 0 , a n d t h e E u r o p e a n
p o l i c y d o c u m e n t A r t i fi c i a l I n t e l l i g e n c e 1 0 . T h e m o s t s i g n i fi c a n t p o i n t s o f t h e s e
publications are as follows:
• White Paper on Artificial Intelligence. E m p h a s i s e s t h e n e e d t o s t r e n g t h e n

industrial and technological capacities, with appropriate regulatory changes,
coordination and governance, to ensure these capacities are expanded in an
ethical, reliable way, in line with EU standards. The corresponding security
and civil liability framework must also be constructed. Capacities and talent
should be strengthened to foster the adoption of AI in the market, especially
by SMEs.
• European policy document "Artificial Intelligence": P r o p o s e s a d e v e l o p m e n t

f r a m e w o r k t o a d d r e s s t e c h n o l o g i c a l , s e c u r i t y 11, p r o t e c t i o n 12, e t h i c a l ,
inclusion, legal and socio-economic issues, with the ultimate aim of
promoting research and industrial capacity to make AI widely available. This
framework focuses on the socio-economic changes arising from the use and
implementation of AI, on the EU’s coordination of research and initiatives in
t h i s fi e l d , o n t h e c r e a t i o n a n d d e v e l o p m e n t o f s p e c i a l i s e d t a l e n t a n d o n
g u a r a n t e e i n g p r o t e c t i o n 13 for the population and the provisions of the
welfare state, focusing on the population’s needs and on bolstering
c o n fi d e n c e i n A I 1 4 .
Additionally, and to jointly promote AI, the EU Member States signed a

d e c l a r a t i o n o f c o o p e r a t i o n d u r i n g “ D i g i t a l D a y 2 0 1 8 ” 15. T h i s d e c l a r a t i o n w a s
intended to consolidate European achievements and investment in AI and to
establish the foundations for the Coordinated Plan on AI .
5
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/en/sheet/64/digital-agenda-for-europe
6
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2018/0237/COM_COM(2018)0237_EN.pdf
7
https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/news/coordinated-plan-artificial-intelligence
8
https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/science-and-technology/measuring-the-digital-transformation_9789264311992-en
9
https://ec.europa.eu/info/files/white-paper-artificial-intelligence-european-approach-excellence-and-trust_en
10
https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/artificial-intelligence
11
https://ec.europa.eu/info/files/commission-report-safety-and-liability-implications-ai-internet-things-and-robotics_en
12
https://ec.europa.eu/info/files/regulation-eu-2016-679-protection-natural-persons-regard-processing-personal-data-and-free-movement-such-data_en
13
https://ec.europa.eu/info/files/regulation-eu-2016-679-protection-natural-persons-regard-processing-personal-data-and-free-movement-such-data_en
14
https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/european-ai-alliance
15
https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/news/eu-member-states-sign-cooperate-artificial-intelligence
16
https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/news/coordinated-plan-artificial-intelligence
In line with this approach, the European Commission indicated at its extraordinary
meeting on 1-2 October 202017 that 20% of the Recovery and Resilience Facility would be
available for the digital transition, a n d f o r S M E s i n p a r t i c u l a r , f o r p u r p o s e s s u c h
as fostering technology capabilities, developing capacities in strategic digital
value chains, accelerating the rollout of very-high-capacity infrastructure
( e s p e c i a l l y fi b r e o p t i c s a n d 5 G ) , e n h a n c i n g t h e E U ’ s a b i l i t y t o p r o t e c t i t s e l f
against cyber threats, providing secure communication environments,
especially through quantum encryption, and ensuring access to data for
judicial and political ends.
This National Strategy has been prepared to reflect the shared commitment with our
European partners to make the EU a leading player in this field. T h i s c o m m i t m e n t i s
r e fl e c t e d i n t h e D i g i t a l A g e n d a f o r E u r o p e , t h e A I f o r E u r o p e S t r a t e g y a d o p t e d
in 2018, the Coordinated Plan on AI for 2019-2027, the 2020 Communication
“ S h a p i n g E u r o p e ’ s d i g i t a l f u t u r e ” 1 8 a n d t h e W h i t e P a p e r o n A r t i fi c i a l
Intelligence, published in February 2020.
The Strategy also incorporates the work coordinated by the Ministry of

Science, Innovation and Universities, which has held various meetings with
the private sector and social agents to analyse possible actions by
government administrations in the development of AI and other enabling
technologies. In this context, an analysis has been made of the main assets,
v u l n e r a b i l i t i e s , o p p o r t u n i t i e s a n d r i s k s i d e n t i fi e d i n t h e S p a n i s h c o n t e x t , a n d
a n A I C a p a b i l i t i e s M a p w a s p r e s e n t e d i n O c t o b e r 2 0 1 9 19. T h i s m a p i s o n e o f t h e
goals set out in Priority 1 of the Spanish R&D&I Strategy for AI, which was
published by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities on 4 March
2 0 1 9 20. S u c h a m a p h a s b e e n p r e p a r e d b y a l l E U M e m b e r S t a t e s , i n a c c o r d a n c e
w i t h t h e C o o r d i n a t e d P l a n o n A I 21.
O n t h e b a s i s o f t h e s e i n i t i a t i v e s , t h e N a t i o n a l S t r a t e g y f o r A r t i fi c i a l
Intelligence presents a reference framework for the period 2020-2025 by
which sectoral, state and regional strategies in this matter can be aligned
with corresponding EU policies, thus promoting the transformation of the
economic sectors involved, via public-private cooperation.
17
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/45932/021020-euco-final-conclusions-es.pdf
18
https://mapa.estrategiaia.es/mapa
19
http://www.ciencia.gob.es/stfls/MICINN/Ciencia/Ficheros/Estrategia_Inteligencia_Artificial_IDI.pdf
20
http://www.ciencia.gob.es/stfls/MICINN/Ciencia/Ficheros/Estrategia_Inteligencia_Artificial_IDI.pdf
21
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52018DC0795&from=EN
GOALS
OF THE
STRATEGY
GOALS OF THE STRATEGY

Spain's National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence has seven strategic goals:
• Scientific excellence and innovation in Artificial Intelligence. P o s i t i o n i n g S p a i n

a s a c o u n t r y c o m m i t t e d t o p r o m o t i n g s c i e n t i fi c e x c e l l e n c e a n d
innovation in AI.
• Projection of the Spanish language. L e a d i n g t h e w o r l d i n t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f

technological tools and software for the dissemination and use of the
Spanish language in AI applications.
• Creation of qualified employment. P r o m o t i n g t h e c r e a t i o n o f s k i l l e d j o b s ,

fostering training and education, stimulating Spanish talent, and
attracting global talent.
• Transformation of the productive system. I n c o r p o r a t i n g A I a s a f a c t o r t o

i m p r o v e t h e p r o d u c t i v i t y o f S p a n i s h b u s i n e s s , t o i n c r e a s e t h e e f fi c i e n c y
of public administration, and to drive sustainable and inclusive
economic growth.
• Trust environment in relation to Artificial Intelligence. G e n e r a t i n g a n

environment of trust in AI, its technological development, its regulatory
• Humanistic values in Artificial Intelligence. D r i v i n g t h e g l o b a l d e b a t e o n

human-centred AI, focusing on seeking social welfare when making
technological progress, and creating and participating in forums and
dissemination activities to develop an ethical framework guaranteeing
citizens’ individual and collective rights.
• Inclusive and sustainable Artificial Intelligence. S t r e n g t h e n i n g i n c l u s i v e a n d

sustainable AI, as a transversal vector to address the major challenges
f a c i n g o u r s o c i e t y ; s p e c i fi c a l l y t o b r i d g e t h e g e n d e r g a p a n d t h e d i g i t a l
divide, and to support the ecological transition and territorial cohesion.
T h e s e S t r a t e g y a i m s a r e i n l i n e w i t h t h e 2 0 3 0 A g e n d a 21 a n d w i t h t h e O E C D
R e c o m m e n d a t i o n 22, t h a t p u b l i c a c t i o n s h o u l d i n c o r p o r a t e e c o n o m i c , s o c i a l
and environmental considerations. The Strategy also addresses the need to
design systems that are robust, secure and impartial, with AI applications
that are reliable, explainable, transparent and inclusive. In addition, they
must comply with fundamental rights and applicable regulations, respect
basic principles and values, and take into account the collective aspirations
o f t h e p o p u l a t i o n 23.
21
http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/es/SalaDePrensa/Multimedia/Publicaciones/Documents/PLAN%20DE%20ACCION%20PARA%20LA%20IMPLEMENTACION
%20DE%20LA%20AGENDA%202030.pdf
22
https://legalinstruments.oecd.org/en/instruments/OECD-LEGAL-0449
En 1997 el Consejo de Europa adoptó el "Convenio de Oviedo"
23
https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1999/10/20/pdfs/A36825-36830.pdf which declared that fundamental rights are the basic foundation guaranteeing the "primacy of
human beings" in a context of technological change.
See also the "AI EthicGuide"https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/news/draft-ethics-guidelines-trustworthy-ai published by the European Commission's
High Level Expert Group on AI.
ACTION
PLAN
ACTION PLAN
To achieve the Strategy aims described above, six Strategy Lines have been defined,
incorporating the priority actions to be carried out during the period 2020-2025 a n d
d e fi n i n g s p e c i fi c t a r g e t s f o r t h i s p e r i o d .
Strategy Pillar 1. Promote scientific research, technological development and innovation

in AI
To strategically anticipate coming events, in an environment of increasingly

rapid technological change, it is essential to generate new knowledge and
ensure its effective transfer to the productive fabric and to the administrative
sector. These tasks must be undertaken with a double focus: (i) on the one
hand, considering the current interests and demands of companies and
institutions that need to implement mature AI technologies, fundamentally to
optimise resources and procedures based on the exploitation of large
databases; (ii) on the other hand, it is also necessary for the Strategy to
respond to medium to long-term interests, looking beyond the immediate
horizon to focus on the generation of new and emerging techniques that will
allow new businesses to develop and established ones to enter sectors not
previously considered.
Strategy Pillar 2. Promote digital capabilities, empower national capabilities and attract
global skills in the field of AI
With respect to AI, the technical capabilities of the active population (both
the workforce in general and specialists) must be enhanced, in order to
facilitate access to new, high-quality jobs and to overcome the challenges
e n c o u n t e r e d i n t h e f u t u r e l a b o u r m a r k e t . I n a d d i t i o n t o s c i e n t i fi c - t e c h n i c a l
skills training, it will also be necessary to extend training in the social
s c i e n c e s t o a d d r e s s t h e m a n y s i g n i fi c a n t a s p e c t s o f A I f r o m a n
interdisciplinary standpoint.
Strategy Pillar 3. Develop data platforms and technological infrastructures in support of

AI
Digitalisation, access to large volumes of data, the development of general

purpose AI platforms incorporating resources (data, corpora, lexicons,
ontologies, models, etc.), algorithms and inference engines, together with
supercomputing infrastructure or other high-performance, high-processing
capacity mechanisms: all of these elements are essential for the
development of AI, for its use and promotion by government administrations
and for its low or zero-cost availability to innovative SMEs and researchers.
Beyond investing in the generation of new data sets and data infrastructures,
t h e e f fi c i e n t m a n a g e m e n t a n d g o v e r n a n c e o f d a t a u s e m u s t a l s o b e e n s u r e d ,
in accordance with principles of interoperability, integrity, reliability, quality
a n d l e g a l i t y . A t t h e s a m e t i m e , c i t i z e n s ’ r i g h t s , p r i v a c y a n d c o n fi d e n t i a l i t y
must be protected, as called for by European initiatives such as the European
Open Source Cloud and by Spanish legislation on data protection.
Strategy Pillar 4. Incorporate AI into value chains to transform the economic fabric
Digitalisation, innovation and the incorporation of AI into value chains is a

fundamental opportunity to change the pattern of economic growth in Spain,
one in which human and technological capital may be expanded, reducing
environmental impacts, raising productivity and enhancing the potential to
grow intensively and sustainably, thus increasing well-being in society and
generating high-quality employment.
Strategy Pillar 5. Enhance the use of AI in government administration and in national

strategic missions
The relationship between AI and government administration is one of mutual

b e n e fi t . O n t h e o n e h a n d , A I h e i g h t e n s t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d f a c i l i t a t e s t h e
communication of public activity in sectors such as health care, social
services, the environment, energy, justice, transport, logistics, education,
employment and security. At the same time, it provides a more accurate
picture of our society and makes it possible to determine priorities for action,
identifying areas with competitive advantages and those which are most
disadvantaged. In turn, government activities foster the acceptance and use
o f A I b y p r o v i d i n g fi n a n c e a n d p r o m o t i o n a n d b y i n t e g r a t i n g A I i n t o t h e
a d m i n i s t r a t i v e p r o c e s s . I n t h e fi n a l i n s t a n c e , i t i s s o c i e t y a t l a r g e t h a t
b e n e fi t s f r o m t h e i n t r o d u c t i o n a n d a p p l i c a t i o n o f A I , a n d s o t h e c i t i z e n r y
should monitor government activities, exploit the proximity achieved and
make use of AI applications that respond to individual circumstances.
Strategy Pillar 6. Establish an ethical and regulatory framework that reinforces the
protection of individual and collective rights, in order to guarantee inclusion and social
welfare.
The development and deployment of AI has great potential and raises

expectations, but it may also create uncertainty due to its ethical, legal,
social and economic implications. If Spain is to place itself at the political
and social forefront of this technological revolution, an appropriate
framework for action must be created. Moreover, we must consider whether
the current rules and standards for coexistence will continue to be
appropriate, whether the ethical and legal framework that has served us to
d a t e w i l l s t i l l b e s u f fi c i e n t , a n d w h a t a d j u s t m e n t s m a y b e n e e d e d t o p r o t e c t
individuals in a digital world. In all of these respects, ethical and democratic
ideals must prevail over the development of AI. Furthermore, the action
framework arising from these considerations will be complementary to the
corresponding social and political debate and to the regulatory procedures
that will be required for each case.
The Strategy, moreover, addresses major social challenges that must be overcome if AI is
to be inclusive and sustainable, such as reducing gender and digital inequalities,
reinforcing territorial cohesion and assuring the ecological transition.
Social Challenge 1: Reduce the gender gap in AI as concerns employment and leadership.
T h e fi r s t r e s u l t s o b t a i n e d f r o m t h e m a p o f A I c a p a b i l i t i e s i n S p a i n c o n fi r m t h e
existence of a marked gender gap, due to inequality between women and men
i n s c i e n t i fi c a n d s o c i a l s t u d i e s ( i . e . , S c i e n c e , T e c h n o l o g y , E n g i n e e r i n g , t h e
Arts and Mathematics – STEAM) as well as in employment and leadership in
t h e fi e l d o f A I . T h i s i m b a l a n c e i s a m a j o r v u l n e r a b i l i t y i n o u r e c o n o m y a n d
society, and so gender equality is one of the principal, and cross-cutting,
aims of the Strategy. In fact, Spain already has a higher proportion of female
r e s e a r c h e r s t h a n t h e E U a v e r a g e 25( 3 8 . 8 % v s . 3 3 . 8 % ) , a c c o r d i n g t o I N E a n d
Eurostat data, which means the country is well positioned to further narrow
the gender gap.
Social Challenge 2: Foster the ecological transition and reduce the carbon footprint.
In addition to the above, an ecological transition, spanning all sectors, must

be undertaken to focus AI activities on the good of the planet, in two respects
i n p a r t i c u l a r : fi r s t l y , b y p r o m o t i n g e n e r g y - e f fi c i e n t d a t a s t o r a g e a n d
computing systems (both in the development of hardware and in employing
m o r e e f fi c i e n t p r o c e s s e s f o r a l g o r i t h m d e s i g n a n d t r a i n i n g , v i a a p p r o a c h e s
such as the systematic analysis of the energy consumption of the applications
considered), while minimising its own environmental footprint. Secondly, by
orienting AI and digital-enabling technologies to address global challenges,
t o s u p p o r t t h e i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f t h e P a r i s A g r e e m e n t o n c l i m a t e c h a n g e 26, t o
achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, to make the European Green
Deal a success and to drive the transition towards a circular economy,
e s p e c i a l l y i n t h e fi e l d s o f a g r i c u l t u r e , f o o d a n d c o n s u m e r e l e c t r o n i c s .
Social Challenge 3: Reinforce territorial cohesion.
T e r r i t o r i a l c o h e s i o n c a n b e d e fi n e d a s t h e e x i s t e n c e o f a c o n s i s t e n t i n t e r n a l
structure throughout the country. In the present context, this refers to the
organisation, extension, development and coverage of digital infrastructures,
i n p a r t i c u l a r t h o s e r e l a t e d t o t h e N a t i o n a l S t r a t e g y f o r U l t r a f a s t N e t w o r k s 27,
including broadband. Territorial governance and coordination between
v a r i o u s l e v e l s o f g o v e r n m e n t ( n a t i o n a l , r e g i o n a l a n d l o c a l ) c a n b e n e fi t f r o m
digitalisation and the development of AI.
24
de Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics
25
https://www.ciencia.gob.es/stfls/MICINN/Ministerio/FICHEROS/EECTI-2021-2027.pdf
26
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/es/policies/climate-change/paris-agreement/
27
https://avancedigital.gob.es/planes-TIC/agenda-digital/DescargasAgendaDigital/Planes%20espec%C3%ADficos/Plan-ADpE-1_Redes-Ultrarrapidas.pdf
Greater cohesion, in conjunction with AI, will also contribute to territorial

revitalisation and modernisation and help reverse the regressive dynamics
that have been observed in some areas in recent years. Finally, territorial
cohesion will facilitate the adoption of AI at all levels of the productive fabric,
within agencies of government administration and throughout the services
offered.
Social Challenge 4: Narrow the digital divide.
Digital literacy is the ability to locate, organise, understand, evaluate and

analyse information using digital technology. Accordingly, it goes beyond
merely learning to use the tools. Countries, companies and individuals are
developing these skills at different rates, which is creating a new gap, termed
the digital (or technological) divide. Certain groups, at risk of social
exclusion or experiencing this situation, are especially vulnerable to the
digital divide. If the problem is not addressed and overcome as a matter of
urgency, the emergence of AI will be an additional factor weighing on the
social exclusion that is suffered by many, further distancing them from
society and employment. In Spain, for example, the younger population are
e s p e c i a l l y w e l l p l a c e d t o a d o p t t e c h n o l o g i c a l a d v a n c e s a n d p r o fi t f r o m t h e m .
Great opportunities exist for them in the digitalisation of jobs and in the
introduction of ICTs in the workplace. Further openings arise with the
s p e c i fi c t r a i n i n g n e e d e d f o r t e a c h e r s 2 8 .
U n d e r s t a n d i n g t h e b e n e fi t s o f d i g i t a l t e c h n o l o g y , a c c e s s i n g i t , a n d u s i n g i t t o
communicate, and perhaps even creating digital content; these are some of
the skills that must be much more widely acquired to narrow the digital
divide. Companies and other organisations must realise that ensuring an
effective digital transformation is an issue of the highest priority in the drive
to increase productivity and competitiveness in today’s globalised world.
Annex 1 describes the relationship between the Strategy Lines and the
objectives sought.
28
https://www.oecd.org/spain/Skills-Outlook-Spain-ES.pdf
STRATEGY
LINE 1.
PROMOTE SCIENTIFIC
RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGICAL
DEVELOPMENT AND
INNOVATION IN AI
STRATEGY LINE 1. PROMOTE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH,

TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION IN AI
The National Strategy for AI necessarily emerged from the research conducted by the
public and private sectors, through public-private and public-public collaboration, which
expand knowledge of the field and facilitate new techniques, focuses and applications that
can be transferred to the productive environment and/or the public sector, thus boosting
innovation and technological change. H o w e v e r , i n a r a p i d l y - c h a n g i n g e n v i r o n m e n t ,
r e s e a r c h p l a n s m u s t b e fl e x i b l e a n d a d a p t a b l e .
To generate an optimal environment and to establish mechanisms that will

enhance innovative capabilities in AI, both in the public and in the private
s e c t o r , t h e S t r a t e g y p r o p o s e s t h e f o l l o w i n g fi v e o b j e c t i v e s f o r r e s e a r c h a n d
technological development:
1. Promote high-level public research into AI, i n c r e a s i n g f u n d i n g f o r t h i s

purpose, broadening the scope of research and subsequent application,
separating these efforts from market inertia, facilitating the development of
o p t i o n s , a n d g e n e r a t i n g a d i v e r s i fi e d p l a n f o r i n n o v a t i o n i n A I , f o c u s e d o n b o t h
basic and applied research, in order to ensure excellence and short, medium
and long-term relevance.
2. Foster and exploit research synergies between universities and research centres,
via inter-university cooperation networks, and with companies and government
administrations.
3. Create platforms for research cooperation and for the transfer of results between
the public and private sectors. F u r t h e r m o r e , a t t r a c t a n d r e t a i n r e s e a r c h t a l e n t i n
Spain, reducing paperwork and processing times that would otherwise
hamper this process. Foster the creation of public-private consortia for
research projects, encouraging the participation of SMEs and startups in the
sector in order to create a solid, expanding AI ecosystem in the country,
underpinning the productive fabric.
4. Promote the exploitation of synergies between AI research and that conducted in

strategic areas s u c h a s h e a l t h , e d u c a t i o n , e n e r g y , c l i m a t e c h a n g e , t o u r i s m ,
culture, language, security and agriculture, applying the action protocols
established between the respective ministries and the Ministry of Science and
Innovation, fostering collaboration between the different levels of
administration (national, international and European) and sponsoring
strategic missions in this respect.
5. Explore alternative investment mechanisms in public-private collaboration ( s e e d

c a p i t a l , v e n t u r e c a p i t a l , e t c . ) t o e n s u r e t h e a v a i l a b i l i t y o f s u f fi c i e n t
investment for Spanish research to be competitive and to facilitate the
transfer of research results to industry and other activity sectors.
FRAMEWORK FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AI RESEARCH

Spanish research in AI technologies enjoys wide international recognition, i n a r e a s s u c h
as machine learning, heuristic optimisation, planning, automatic deduction,
logic and reasoning, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics,
multi-agent systems, recommendation systems, human-machine cooperation,
modelling based on intelligent agents, and ontologies. The Spanish AI
community has also made outstanding contributions to the development of
i n n o v a t i v e a p p l i c a t i o n s i n s e r v i c e s , i n t h e e n e r g y fi e l d a n d i n e n v i r o n m e n t a l
sustainability, in strategic sectors (for example, health care and agriculture)
and in areas where Spain has a particularly strong presence such as tourism
a n d t h e c r e a t i v e i n d u s t r i e s 29.
In Spain, scientific research activity forms part of the Spanish Science, Technology and
Innovation System, w h i c h i n c l u d e s r e s e a r c h a c t i v i t y f o c u s e d s p e c i fi c a l l y o n A I
developments. This activity is carried out by public and private academic and
s c i e n t i fi c i n s t i t u t i o n s , b y a s s o c i a t i o n s a n d b y o r g a n i s a t i o n s p r o v i d i n g R & D & I
support to the business world.
The development of scientific policy in Spain is regulated under the Science, Technology
and Innovation Act (14/2011), w h i c h s e e k s t o p r o m o t e t h e g e n e r a t i o n o f k n o w l e d g e
in all areas, to foster its disclosure and to facilitate its subsequent
a p p l i c a t i o n t o p r o d u c e s o c i a l o r e c o n o m i c b e n e fi t , w i t h a m u l t i p l i e r e f f e c t o n
actions aimed at sustainable development, via sectoral and cross-cutting
policies. Research into AI opens up great opportunities for the generation of
knowledge, technologies and innovations of a multidisciplinary and disruptive
nature. In this respect, the combination of fundamental and applied research
and experimental development also plays an invaluable role.
29
https://www.ciencia.gob.es/stfls/MICINN/Ciencia/Ficheros/Estrategia_Inteligencia_Artificial_IDI.pdf
With respect to the scientific application of AI, specific action will be taken in the framework
of the National R&D&I Strategy set out by the Ministry of Science, under the following
premises:
1 AI technologies represent a great opportunity to develop priority sectors of the

Spanish economy and society in a sustainable way.
2 The humanities and social sciences sectors are cross-cutting in nature and should
be taken into account in all areas in which AI is applied.
AI technologies may be implemented at different speeds according to the

sector addressed, and depending on their strategic nature and degree of
maturity and development. Accordingly, the research-innovation cycle should
be strengthened, by rewarding excellence and seeking networking synergies
in the initial phases (both in academic research and in the business world),
whilst making use of mature technological solutions already employed in the
productive fabric, and promoting startups, spinoffs and disruptive innovation.
The outcomes of these endeavours might only become apparent in the medium
term, but they are crucial to ensuring fruitful participation in the design of
technological developments, to encouraging investment and to making Spain
one of the countries creating the AI of tomorrow.
The universities must play an active role in supporting a Network of Excellence in AI. I n
conjunction with the research centres of public organisations, with those of
European organisations operating in Spain, and those established to support
t e c h n o l o g i c a l i n n o v a t i o n , u n i v e r s i t y a c t i v i t y i n t h i s fi e l d s h o u l d b e f o c u s e d o n
a d d r e s s i n g h y b r i d / m i x e d l i n e s o f r e s e a r c h 30. T h e r e f o r e , a n e t w o r k o f
excellence will be established, to mobilise and coordinate a critical mass of
researchers, thus creating a pool of future PhDs, working in associated
postgraduate programmes, organised as a mesh or within a federation in
scalable structures enabling the constituent elements to form coordinated
units that are larger and more competitive. These units, in the form of
d i s t r i b u t e d s t r u c t u r e s , c o m b i n i n g p r o fi l e s o f a p u r e l y t e c h n i c a l n a t u r e w i t h
p r o fi l e s f r o m o t h e r d i s c i p l i n e s , w i l l a d o p t a b r o a d - r a n g i n g a p p r o a c h a n d
generate interdisciplinary relationships with other areas of knowledge, such
as medicine or the analysis of social impact.
T h e c u r r e n t s t a t u s o f t h e A I e c o s y s t e m i n S p a i n i s r e fl e c t e d i n t h e m a p o f A I
capacities in Spain, published in May 2019 by the Ministry of Science and
Innovation.
30
Numerous international initiatives support this mixed/hybrid approach, including the Center for Human Nature, Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience
(www.chain.hokudai.ac.jp), the Centre for the Governance of AI (www.fhi.ox.ac.uk/govai), the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence
(lcfi.ac.uk/projects/kinds-of-intelligence), the Hybrid Intelligence Centre (www.hybrid-intelligence-centre.nl) and the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered
Artificial Intelligence (hai.stanford.edu).
CREATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF INSTRUMENTS AND

MECHANISMS TO TURBOCHARGE INNOVATION
AI is considered an outstanding area for innovation, a driving force of digitalisation and an
essential component of the public sector, society, private companies, government and
science. I t m a k e s i n v a l u a b l e c o n t r i b u t i o n s i n a l l t h e s e s e c t o r s , f o r e x a m p l e b y
enhancing the diagnosis of diseases, reducing energy consumption,
p r e v e n t i n g t r a f fi c a c c i d e n t s , c r e a t i n g n e w s e r v i c e s , i m p r o v i n g h e a l t h c a r e a n d
rehabilitation, rationalising industrial production, advancing the development
of new pharmaceutical products and reducing processing times.
To narrow the gap between theory and implementation, this innovation environment must
be promoted and accelerated by means of targeted public policies. I n E u r o p e , t h i s
question has been addressed with the creation of Digital Innovation Hubs
(DIHs), or one-stop shops whereby companies (especially SMEs) and public
administrations can access the services and facilities needed to achieve a
successful digital transformation. In Spain, AI is being incorporated into
m a n y D I H s 31( s e e F i g u r e 1 ) .
DIHs operational or under preparation in Europe
60
49 48
50
40 35 34
30 23
20
20 14 13 13 12
10 8 8 8 8 7 7
10 6 6 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 2 2 2 1 1 1 1
0
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Figure 1. Source: JRC –European Commission
31
https://www.apte.org/parques-cientificos-tecnologicos-participan-28-digital-innovation-hubs
The recently-published “European Digital Innovation Hubs in Digital Europe

Programme” describes the current context of these centres, within the
2 0 2 1 - 2 0 2 7 D i g i t a l E u r o p e P r o g r a m m e 32. T h i s d o c u m e n t h i g h l i g h t s t h e f o u r
main functions of the European DIHs for which accreditation will begin in
2021: skills and training, pre-investment testing, investment support, and the
c r e a t i o n o f n e t w o r k a n d i n n o v a t i o n e c o s y s t e m s . T h i s n e w s t r a t e g y d e fi n e s t h e
technologies on which the different proposals should be based, among
high-performance computing (HPC), cybersecurity, AI and digital skills.
These are the main areas considered for the development and promotion of
innovation and digital transformation in the period 2021-2027, within the
framework of the Digital Europe Programme. The European DIHs will be
reinforced, making them regional structures for the development of
innovation and of strategies for the transfer of digital technologies. A number
o f D I H s ( i n S p a i n : 9 - 1 8 ) w i l l b e r e c o m m e n d e d f o r a c c r e d i t a t i o n a n d fi n a n c i n g
( p . 3 0 , T a b l e 1 ) . T h e fi r s t c a l l f o r a p p l i c a t i o n s f o r a c c r e d i t a t i o n o f E u r o p e a n
DIHs is scheduled for January 2021, following the Spanish administration’s
pre-selection of candidates in October 2020.
DIHs are key elements for knowledge transfer, supporting the digital transformation and
enabling the effective uptake of AI by public administrations, businesses (especially
SMEs) and industry, facilitating access to knowledge, IT skills, cloud platforms, and
testing, training and service facilities. T h i s n e t w o r k o f c e n t r e s w i l l a l s o p r o m o t e
the optimal use of the industrial potential present in the R&D&I results
obtained at regional, national and European levels. Moreover, these
capabilities will be reinforced by the forthcoming Digital Europe and Horizon
Europe programmes for 2021-2027. The European Commission has
established strategic objectives and actions, to be implemented in
collaboration with the Member States, to prioritise investment in R&D&I,
including efforts to promote the mobility of researchers, to develop career
and skills frameworks, to boost gender equality and to foster research
e x c e l l e n c e w i t h i n t h e E U 33.
In Spain, these European initiatives are complemented by other programmes

f o r s c i e n t i fi c r e s e a r c h c o o p e r a t i o n , f u n d e d b y d i f f e r e n t m i n i s t r i e s a n d
p r o v i d i n g m e c h a n i s m s f o r t r a n s f e r r i n g t h e r e s u l t s o f s c i e n t i fi c r e s e a r c h a n d
facilitating the incorporation of AI within novel applications and
technologies.
32
https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/dae/document.cfm?doc_id=70324
33
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_1749
T h i s e c o s y s t e m f o r t h e t r a n s f e r a n d i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f r e s e a r c h fi n d i n g s i s
expected to foster the creation of new projects, startups or spinoffs from
research centres, university research groups, public research bodies and
u n i v e r s i t y a n d n o n - u n i v e r s i t y r e s e a r c h i n s t i t u t e s , p r o v i d i n g c o - fi n a n c i n g a n d
stabilisation assistance. Cooperation between spinoffs, SMEs, large
companies, research centres and universities will also be promoted, to
favour the transfer of existing knowledge, to create new lines and products of
research and to stabilise the personnel specialised in R&D&I, in different
environments and sectors.
In the fiscal sphere, Article 35 of the Corporation Tax Act of 27 November (27/2014) states
that tax deductions may be made for R&D and technological innovation activities, and
Article 39.2 allows similar deductions to be made for R&D&I costs34.
TARGETS FOR 2025

ACTION AREA 1.1. SUPPORT RESEARCH INTO AI
ACTION 1. Create a Spanish Network of Excellence in AI t o c o n d u c t r e s e a r c h a n d
create training programmes at the forefront of knowledge in the disciplines
of AI.
ACTION 2. Reinforce the system of pre-doctoral and post-doctoral research contracts

and create programmes to attract senior researchers in AI.
ACTION 3. Make the scientific career path for AI research personnel more flexible t o
e n h a n c e s c i e n t i fi c d i v e r s i t y a n d p e r m e a b i l i t y b e t w e e n t h e p u b l i c a n d p r i v a t e
sectors and to foster knowledge transfer.
ACTION 4. Create new national centres for technological development in

m u l t i d i s c i p l i n a r y fi e l d s , i n c l u d i n g n e u r o t e c h n o l o g y , p s y c h o l o g y , s o c i o l o g y
and politics.
34
https://www.agenciatributaria.es/static_files/AEAT/Contenidos_Comunes/La_Agencia_Tributaria/Segmentos_Usuarios/Empresas_y_profesionales/Impuesto_s
ociedades/Novedades_Impuesto_Sociedades_publicadas_2014/Comparativa_Sociedades_dic.pdf
ACTION AREA 1.2. FACILITATE INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

TRANSFER IN AI
ACTION 5. Establish a programme to assist companies that provide AI solutions and data,
to enable digitalisation, accelerate AI inclusion and promote the adoption of
new technologies and the intensive use of data in production processes.
ACTION 6. Strengthen the network of DIHs s p e c i a l i s e d i n A I , p r o v i d i n g a c c e s s t o

smart technology, big data and advanced computing capacity.
ACTION 7. Create a programme of R&D&I missions to address major social

challenges.
A central element of this Strategy Line is the proposed Spanish Network of

E x c e l l e n c e i n A I , t o p r o m o t e r e s e a r c h a n d k n o w l e d g e g e n e r a t i o n i n t h i s fi e l d .
To achieve these aims, advanced research and training programmes will be
created in various areas of AI. Both short and long-term research
programmes must be undertaken, to generate and foster emerging and/or
disruptive techniques and to enter sectors not currently considered with
respect to AI. In addition, interdisciplinarity and links with the private sector
must be incorporated.
Organisationally, there will be a network structure based on the nodes of the

Network of Excellence, thus forming an interdisciplinary AI community and
providing resources for training, recruitment and talent retention,
entrepreneurial support, visiting-researcher programmes and projects,
according to criteria of excellence. In addition, appropriate policies will be
designed for research and knowledge transfer, and for undertakings in
sectors not currently addressed. Another area of interest is the exchange of
personnel between public and private organisations, and the temporary
incorporation of senior researchers in project development.
One of the main goals of this Network of Excellence is to motivate

i n t e l l e c t u a l s t o c o n s i d e r c h a l l e n g e s i n t h e fi e l d o f A I a s a p o s s i b l e r o u t e
t o w a r d s o v e r c o m i n g t e c h n i c a l , s o c i a l a n d s c i e n t i fi c b a r r i e r s . T h e N e t w o r k
w i l l b e e q u i p p e d t o a n s w e r s c i e n t i fi c q u e s t i o n s w i t h g r e a t t r a n s f o r m a t i o n a l
potential. The results obtained will be published for unrestricted use and
high-level training programmes and seminars will be offered. The primary
b e n e fi t e x p e c t e d o f t h i s n e t w o r k i s t h a t i t w i l l e n a b l e S p a n i s h i n i t i a t i v e s t o
t a k e t h e f o r e f r o n t i n r e s e a r c h w o r k a n d t h i n k i n g i n t h e fi e l d o f A I .
STRATEGY
LINE 2.
PROMOTE DIGITAL
CAPABILITIES, EMPOWER
NATIONAL TALENT AND
ATTRACT GLOBAL SKILLS
IN THE FIELD OF AI
STRATEGY LINE 2. PROMOTE DIGITAL CAPABILITIES, EMPOWER

NATIONAL TALENT AND ATTRACT GLOBAL SKILLS IN THE FIELD OF
AI
One of the main pillars on which the digital transformation of our society must be
sustained is the necessary education and training in digital skills of the entire population,
throughout their lives. S p e c i fi c a l l y , f o r t h i s N a t i o n a l S t r a t e g y f o r A I t o b e
successful, it is essential to ensure that students, teachers, public sector
personnel, the workforce in general and society as a whole receive
appropriate preparation for and training in AI, from an ethical, humanistic
and gender perspective.
Some of the active employment policy measures presented in this Strategy form part of the
National Plan for Digital Competences, s u c h a s t r a i n i n g f o r t h e d i g i t a l
transformation, university-SME consortia and the acquisition of digital skills
by the unemployed. These measures are intended to promote
entrepreneurship
This approach means we must create a capable citizenry, equipped to

understand the options and decisions of “smart” systems. Training in digital
skills must be initiated in early childhood, and include training in
computational thinking, in order to fashion a society that is well apprised of
digital technologies, in which science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) vocations are promoted and the gender gap is reduced.
In vocational training and university education, greater effort is needed in AI
to ensure that all involved acquire a solid foundation of computational
thinking. We must also increase the technical training in AI provided to the
working population, both for general users and for specialists, in order to
facilitate access to new, high-quality jobs and to successfully address the
challenges of the future job market. Furthermore, the inclusion of AI in the
learning environment cannot and should not be restricted to the STEM areas,
but also include humanistic components and the social sciences, in order to
address all aspects pertaining to AI, from an interdisciplinary approach.
In addition to these educational efforts aimed at developing talent in AI,

actions should be taken to attract expert teaching staff from abroad, taking
into account the existence of severe international competition for personnel
with these skills.
AI has great potential to improve the learning process and its outcomes. Furthermore, it
can be used as a transversal learning method, spanning a range of subjects – scientific, the
humanities, social science, etc. Finally, AI will enable us to modernise education and
skills-training systems, providing a new opportunity to resolve challenges in education,
both old and new, and promoting personalised learning.
I n t h i s fi e l d , A I t r a i n i n g m u s t b e a p p r o a c h e d o n t h e f o l l o w i n g f r o n t s :
· Promote vocational training a n d e s t a b l i s h t e c h n i c a l t r a i n i n g p r o c e d u r e s ,

both in the private sector and in government administration, to complement
short-term technological transitions in the labour market.
· Update the AI and digitalisation content offered in vocational training and in

university education t o a d a p t i t t o n e w n e e d s a n d t o n e w p r o c e s s e s o f k n o w l e d g e
generation in a wide range of subject areas (health, agronomy, aerospace,
etc.) arising in the medium term. Spanish universities must seek to develop
global leadership capabilities in order to become a benchmark in
Spanish-language AI.
· Lay the foundations for the understanding of computational, critical and creative
thought r e g a r d i n g t h e f u n d a m e n t s o f A I a n d i t s o u t s t a n d i n g q u e s t i o n s , a t a l l
levels of education from early childhood, providing adequate long-term
training for teachers. In this respect, the needs of students with special
needs should also be addressed.
In the "Spain Can" plan for recovery, transformation and resilience, Key
Policy 7, under the title “The impact on citizens of the new economy and
employment policies” addresses the following skills-training areas:
· Retraining for workers temporarily laid off

· Training in the tourism sector (of strategic importance in Spain)
· Training to enable employment in strategic sectors of general interest.
These reskilling and upskilling programmes, preferably for persons in

employment, will be publicly funded, by the central government, according to
the productivity and competitiveness requirements of companies and the need
to adapt to the digital transformation.
The above initiatives should be enriched by a cross-cutting, multidisciplinary

approach, for example relating technical training with the humanistic, legal
and social aspects involved, or using smart technologies to modernise
education itself, or to assist efforts to reduce the gender gap, an issue that
continues to be of the utmost importance.
Public-private collaboration is crucial to the success of these initiatives, t o g e t h e r w i t h

measures to enhance the population’s understanding of smart technologies,
to ensure that citizens are aware of the challenges presented and of the real
opportunities offered. The main business sectors are participating directly in
the modernisation of vocational training programmes, and multiple
collaborative initiatives have been undertaken to promote reskilling and
upskilling. Another important consideration is the wide variety of
collaboration instruments that have been established, together with
European consortia and projects contracted directly from the Spanish Centre
for Industrial Technological Development (CDTI).
T h e G o v e r n m e n t h a s l a u n c h e d v a r i o u s i n i t i a t i v e s i n t h i s a r e a 35, i n c l u d i n g a n
Action Plan aimed at reducing gender discrimination, promoting gender
equality and narrowing the gender gap in science, promoting equality for
persons with disabilities and combating social exclusion, etc. These actions
will be applied in all areas of STEAM training and access to AI jobs. Other
instruments that will be applied include scholarships, industrial doctorates,
programmes for technical support personnel, post-doctoral contracts, seed
capital reserves for startups, and support for women’s participation in
international AI technology programmes.
CURRENT SITUATION OF AI IN EARLY CHILDHOOD, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
The percentage of schools that are strongly equipped with technological resources is now
higher in Spain than the EU average36. A c c o r d i n g t o t h e C o n n e c t e d S c h o o l s p r o j e c t ,
over 83% of Spanish schools have fast internet connections (>100Mb). With
respect to their preparation in STEAM subject areas, the number of teachers
in Spain who have taken courses on the pedagogical use of ICTs is also above
the EU average (55-75% according to the teaching level considered), while in
terms of their acquaintance with learning apps, the percentages are similar
to the EU average.
However, levels of digital competence are slightly below the European average, with 43%
of individuals aged 16-74 years lacking basic digital skills (vs. the EU-28 average of 42%).
The Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) for 2020 places Spain in 16th
p l a c e i n t h e E U - 2 8 r a n k i n g i n h u m a n c a p i t a l 37. A c c o r d i n g t o a n o t h e r r e p o r t ,
Spain is performing below the OECD average in the use of ICTs in schools and
in mathematics training, which is associated with inadequate performance in
a n a l y t i c a l t a s k s t h a t r e q u i r e t h e u s e o f a c o m p u t e r t o s o l v e p r o b l e m s 38.
35
Such as the Women, Science and Innovation Observatory, the White Paper on Women in Technology and various measures adopted in the field of science,
detailed in: https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/consejodeministros/Paginas/enlaces/080219-enlaceagendacambio.aspx
http://www.mineco.gob.es/stfls/mineco/ministerio/ficheros/libreria/LibroBlancoFINAL.pdf, published by the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness.
36
According to the 2nd Survey of schools: ICT in education 2019 https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/dae/document.cfm?doc_id=57821 reaching 79% and 78% for levels
ISCED2 and ISCED 3, respectively.
37
https://administracionelectronica.gob.es/pae_Home/pae_OBSAE/Posicionamiento-Internacional/Comision_Europea_OBSAE/Indice-de-Economia-y-Sociedad-Di
gital-DESI-.html
38
https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/scoreboard/spain The 2015 OCDE report “Students, Computers, and Learning: Making the Connection”
https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/students-computers-and-learning_9789264239555-en
From the above, it is clear that greater emphasis is needed on ICTs and AI
technologies (mathematics and logic) from the early stages of the educational
cycle, together with appropriate training for teaching staff. In response to
this perceived need, the Spanish Computer Science Society (SCIE) and the
Conference of Directors and Deans of Computer Engineering (CODDII) have
drawn up a manifesto on the need to include Computer Science as a
compulsory subject in the Spanish educational system, from primary
e d u c a t i o n t o h i g h s c h o o l 39. F u r t h e r m o r e , t h e S C I E a n d t h e R o y a l S p a n i s h
Mathematical Society have presented a joint document entitled “Towards a
new education in mathematics and computer science in secondary
e d u c a t i o n 40” . F i n a l l y , t h e M i n i s t r y o f E d u c a t i o n a n d V o c a t i o n a l T r a i n i n g h a s
published a study on the situation of Computational Thinking in education in
S p a i n 41. T h i s s t u d y w i l l p r o v i d e t h e b a s i s f o r a p r o j e c t t o b e i m p l e m e n t e d i n
collaboration with the Autonomous Communities to create a School of
C o m p u t a t i o n a l T h i n k i n g a n d A r t i fi c i a l I n t e l l i g e n c e 4 2 .
THE GROWING PRESENCE OF AI IN VOCATIONAL TRAINING
Numerous studies have highlighted the need to reinforce the technological content of
vocational training programmes at all levels, especially in promoting "medium-level
skills" in technology, and to adapt it to the reality of the productive sectors, thus enhancing
professional capacities and skills. I n r e s p o n s e , t h e G o v e r n m e n t h a s p r e s e n t e d i t s
fi r s t S t r a t e g i c P l a n f o r V o c a t i o n a l T r a i n i n g w i t h i n t h e E d u c a t i o n S y s t e m
2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 2 43, t o p r o m o t e t h e m o d e r n i s a t i o n o f v o c a t i o n a l t r a i n i n g a n d
twin-track vocational training, and to harmonise levels of supply and demand
f o r s k i l l s a n d q u a l i fi c a t i o n s . T h i s P l a n w i l l b e p u t i n t o p r a c t i c e i n c o o r d i n a t i o n
and cooperation with social agents and with public and private companies.
T h e p r o c e s s o f r e v i e w i n g p r o f e s s i o n a l q u a l i fi c a t i o n s a n d d e g r e e s h a s a l r e a d y
started, but much remains to be done to integrate AI capabilities into the
vocational training system, in both technical and non-technical areas.
The fundamental aim of these reforms is to promote the creation of more

career opportunities, such as computer analysis, software development and
s p e c i a l i s t c o m p u t a t i o n , r e fl e c t i n g t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f t h e s e o c c u p a t i o n s i n t h e
development of AI-related activities.
39
http://www.scie.es/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/informe-scie-coddii-2018.pdf
40
https://www.rsme.es/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Educacion-matematicas-e-informatica-secundaria.pdf
41
http://code.intef.es/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Ponencia-sobre-Pensamiento-Computacional.-Informe-Final.pdf
42
https://intef.es/tecnologia-educativa/pensamiento-computacional/
43
https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/consejodeministros/referencias/documents/2019/refc20191122e_3.pdf
GRADUATE AND POST-GRADUATE EDUCATION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF AI
In Spain, university training in AI is represented by several well-consolidated

undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, at both Master’s and Doctorate levels.
Moreover, new AI-related Master's and Bachelor's degrees have recently been launched,
and specific skills in AI are included in all computer science and computing degrees and in
Master’s degrees in computer technology44. However, in some respects the
universities need to play a more active role in this context. On the one hand,
t h e c u r r e n t s h o r t a g e o f I C T g r a d u a t e s a n d p r o fi l e s , w h i c h m a n y i n t h e
business and industrial world have warned against, means that non-computer
s t u d i e s m u s t b e r e o r i e n t e d t o w a r d s t h e s e t e c h n o l o g i e s 45. M o r e o v e r , t h e r e
must be more effective coordination between higher education and the world
of work, making it possible to identify career paths that are in transition and
for the universities to offer mechanisms for the reskilling of workers in
employment, as has already been done in some university disciplines in which
AI is combined with studies involving other sciences, business or the
humanities. Indeed, there is a growing trend for degrees to combine AI with
s c i e n t i fi c s u b j e c t s , t h e h u m a n i t i e s , e c o n o m i c s , e t c . O n t h e o t h e r h a n d , a l a c k
of technological diversity persists in the educational opportunities offered in
t h i s fi e l d . T o r e m e d y t h i s , t h e u n i v e r s i t i e s h a v e a r a n g e o f p o s s i b l e
approaches, such as supporting the study and development of AI, in different
fi e l d s o f a p p l i c a t i o n . A l t h o u g h t h e r e e x i s t p r o g r a m m e s o f t h i s t y p e ( m a i n l y a t
the Master’s level), for example combining Law, Robotics or Biology and AI, it
is important to place greater emphasis on such interdisciplinary studies in
order to achieve a technologically richer ecosystem, with a greater diversity
of perspectives.
Finally, and with the same ambition of supporting educational diversity, it is important that
universities address the challenges presented by AI in their courses of a social and
humanistic nature, s i n c e t h e s e q u e s t i o n s m u s t b e p r e s e n t i n t h e o v e r s i g h t o f
course design and implementation. Furthermore, analytical methods and
m e t h o d o l o g i c a l i n t e r v e n t i o n s h o u l d b e c o - d e fi n e d , a d d i n g a n e w p e r s p e c t i v e
to established technical considerations. This evolution will require
supporting education in AI and adapting it to non-technical courses, thus
making society better equipped to resolve the questions and challenges posed
by AI, on the basis of diverse experiences and sources of knowledge.
44
https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2009/08/04/pdfs/BOE-A-2009-12977.pdf
45
According to the OECD, between 2011 and 2017, ICT employment in Spain grew by 2.2%, in comparison with 9% in Australia, the USA and the UK. The EU average
in this respect (5.2%) more than doubles the Spanish figure. In general, fewer than 20% of Spanish companies have hired ICT experts, and this figure falls to 3%
among companies with fewer than 10 workers (Source: INE).
The Government will promote the creation and consolidation of a community focused on
cognitive science, which as yet is inexistent in Spain, but present in neighbouring
countries. In such a community, the hybridisation of areas such as computer science,
neuroscience or computational biology would facilitate the development of technological
instruments based on the fundaments of human intelligence. I n t h i s m i x e d s p a c e
focused on exploring the basic elements of a science of cognition and
i n t e l l i g e n c e , n e u r o s c i e n t i fi c , p s y c h o l o g i c a l , c o m p u t a t i o n a l , b i o l o g i c a l a n d
technological disciplines would interact on an equal basis. This focus would
m a k e i t p o s s i b l e t o d e fi n e a n e w fi e l d o f s t u d y , n a m e l y t h e S c i e n c e a n d
Engineering of Intelligence. However, to achieve this goal there must be
structures for academic cooperation within these bounds, with institutional
recognition and the promotion of interdisciplinary and interuniversity
networks and forms of collaboration, so that a mixed-approach community
can be structured and consolidated in Spain. In addition to this perspective,
others in which AI is associated with disciplines such as philosophy,
sociology, psychology and language studies will be strengthened, in order to
enrich and diversify the AI ecosystem in Spain.
TRAINING AND ATTRACTING AI SKILLS IN GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION
Government administrations must also contribute to the development of AI capabilities,

through training and reskilling plans p r o v i d e d b y t h e S t a t e , t h e A u t o n o m o u s
Communities and local corporations. These training plans should provide
public-sector staff with the knowledge required for AI-based solutions, at all
levels, including executive positions, to be employed to improve the services
offered. Accordingly, consideration will be given to the creation of Master’s
programmes in AI, to be supplied either in the public sector alone or in
collaboration with private entities, and to establishing mechanisms enabling
g r e a t e r fl e x i b i l i t y i n a t t r a c t i n g , r e t a i n i n g , s e l e c t i n g a n d p l a n n i n g p e r s o n n e l
and in service provision. In the lawtech-legaltech (legal technology) sector,
the training and research potential of the Centre for Legal Studies of the
Ministry of Justice will be employed as appropriate, in accordance with the
current model of co-governance.
In addition to the above, AI talent and skills must be attracted to enter government
administration. Our society is aging and with it, our public sector. T h i s p r o c e s s i s
aggravated by the currently scant appeal of the public sector as a source of
employment, by a lack of knowledge about the role played by our institutions,
and by the low value assigned to the functions carried out by their personnel.
The successful implementation of information technologies in general, and of
AI in particular, could revolutionise the production processes and working
methods of the administration.
In this respect, it is essential to act proactively to reinforce the quality of our

public services, and AI provides a unique means of doing so. Its successful
implementation would require coordinated actions in all of the following
areas, aimed at attracting human capital towards government administration,
with each reinforcing the other:
1. Attract skills and talent: W i d e s p r e a d i g n o r a n c e o f t h e r o l e o f t h e p u b l i c

sector and of the employment potential it offers is limiting government’s
a c c e s s t o s k i l l e d p e r s o n n e l . T o r e m e d y t h i s s i t u a t i o n , fl e x i b l e c o n t r a c t s c o u l d
be offered to university and research centre staff to enable their short-term
or part-time employment within government facilities. Another possibility
would be to create public-private consortia, bringing together researchers
from the public sector and staff from SMEs and startups, to develop
government-sponsored productive projects.
2. Improve the image of public-sector employment: A m o n g p o s s i b l e a r e a s o f

attention in this respect, attention should be drawn to the role of the
Administration in society as a fundamental support for public policies and
services, in which the human factor is an essential component. The added
value of AI would enhance the quality and operability of public services and
their interaction with society, raising awareness and appreciation of the
implementation of public policies.
3. Boost the quality and accessibility of information on public employment: A c c e s s t o

employment is governed by the principles of equality, merit and ability.
Public employment is stable and encourages career progression, both
horizontal and vertical, and the continual acquisition of new skills. The
Administration has pioneered access for persons with different skill sets and
who present 33% disability or greater. In all employment offers by the
Administration, special emphasis should be placed on recruiting persons
combining technical capacities in subjects such as science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM) with skills and knowledge in humanistic
components and the social sciences (STEAM), to promote a balanced
approach to the diverse aspects of AI.
WORKPLACE TRAINING
Going beyond the education system, it is essential to promote training in the workplace to
accompany technological transitions. I n S p a i n , t h e c u r r e n t r a t e o f u n e m p l o y m e n t
among school leavers and graduates of vocational training courses is 16%,
compared to 8% among university graduates. In view of the anticipated
digitalisation of the economy, and assuming appropriate mechanisms for
technical training in AI technologies, professional training in this area could
be the best means of addressing the technology gap and improving
employability. In this respect, the EU has published a Digital Education Action
Plan, setting out the strategic priority of improving digital capacities, in basic
a n d a d v a n c e d d i g i t a l e d u c a t i o n 46.
Finally, to ensure that this technology is guided by principles of collective benefit, spaces
for communication and debate should be fostered between the agents involved and civil
society, in order to enhance public understanding of smart technologies and to make
known the real challenges and opportunities. I n t h i s e n d e a v o u r , s p e c i a l a t t e n t i o n
should be paid to the elderly, persons of foreign origin, families with limited
resources and residents of rural areas, who may have fewer opportunities
than others and might require special instruction in the use and
understanding of these technological resources.
ATTRACTING AND TRAINING PERSONNEL WITH SPECIALIST AI SKILLS
Spain is strongly placed to attract AI talent, with two cities, Madrid and Barcelona, among
the top ten in Europe for the establishment of startups. I n a d d i t i o n , p r o j e c t s w i t h
outstanding capacities for innovation are being developed in Aragón,
Valencia, Malaga, Granada, Bilbao, A Coruña and elsewhere. These projects
are drawing investment by Spanish and foreign companies, attracted by the
h i g h e r q u a l i t y o f l i f e o f f e r e d a n d b y l o w e r fi n a n c i a l c o s t s . A n o t h e r r e l e v a n t
factor is the COVID-19 pandemic, which is displacing many workers towards
less populated areas of the country and rural environments. The National
Strategy for AI aims to consolidate Spain as a pole of attraction for AI talent
and for the creation of R&D centres for international companies. To achieve
these goals, however, there must be appropriate territorial cohesion,
especially as concerns communications.
46
https://ec.europa.eu/education/education-in-the-eu/digital-education-action-plan_en
4
ACTION TARGETS FOR 2025

ACTION TARGET 2.1 – DEVELOP NATIONAL TALENT AND SKILLS IN
AI
ACTION 8. Develop the National Plan for Digital Competence, i n t r o d u c i n g elements

of computational thinking and AI into the school syllabus, modernising
vocational training, developing university and post-university training,
fostering occupational reskilling and digital training among the population as
a w h o l e , p r o m o t i n g v o c a t i o n s i n t h e fi e l d s o f s c i e n c e , t e c h n o l o g y ,
engineering, mathematics and the humanities (STEAM), with a special focus
on reducing the gender gap, and establishing AI training and discussion
events.
ACTION 9. Strengthen the provision of AI training among vocational and university

students, e x p a n d i n g D o c t o r a t e a n d M a s t e r ’ s s t u d i e s a n d p o s t - g r a d u a t e
courses, offering more positions for teaching and research personnel, and
updating the content of degree programmes. Promote interdisciplinary and
interuniversity structures for academic cooperation to consolidate a
nationwide, broad-based academic community and to promote international
exchanges.
ACTION TARGET 2.2 – ATTRACT AND RETAIN GLOBAL TALENT IN

THE FIELD OF AI
ACTION 10. Launch the “SpAIn Talent Hub” programme, i n coordination with ICEX
I n v e s t i n S p a i n , t o a t t r a c t b o t h a c a d e m i c a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l t a l e n t i n t h e fi e l d
of AI, with special emphasis on attracting foreign investment (including the
creation of company headquarters/facilities in Spain), on investments with a
social impact and on promoting the incorporation of female entrepreneurs
and women with talent.
ACTION 11. L a u n c h a p r o g r a m m e t o s u p p o r t t h e recognition of international

qualifications and accreditations i n o r d e r t o a t t r a c t i n t e r n a t i o n a l t e a c h e r s o f A I .
STRATEGY
LINE 3.
DEVELOP DATA
PLATFORMS AND
TECHNOLOGICAL
INFRASTRUCTURE TO
SUPPORT AI
STRATEGY LINE 3. DEVELOP DATA PLATFORMS AND

TECHNOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT AI
Digitalisation, availability and access to large volumes of data, and the existence of
high-performance infrastructure and processing capacity are essential to the
development of AI. I n a d d i t i o n t o i n v e s t i n g i n t h e g e n e r a t i o n o f n e w d a t a s e t s a n d
i n f r a s t r u c t u r e , t h e e f fi c i e n t m a n a g e m e n t a n d p r o p e r u s e o f d a t a t h r o u g h o u t
its value chain must also be ensured, respecting the principles of integrity,
reliability and quality, and protecting citizens’ rights and privacy, as
described in Strategy Line 6.
The data comprising these data platforms and infrastructure must be

disaggregated by sex, age, nationality and geographic location, among other
variables.
The actions described in this Strategy Line are intended to originate and develop solutions
to three key issues regarding data platforms and AI technology infrastructure.
1. Develop the regulatory framework for Open Data, t o d e fi n e a s t r a t e g y t o p u b l i s h

and enable access to public data, to facilitate the use and sharing of
multilingual data among government administrations and other agencies, and
to ensure the proper, safe use of the data.
2. Promote actions regarding data platforms, models, algorithms, inference engines

and cybersecurity t o c a t a l y s e r e s e a r c h a n d i n n o v a t i o n a i m e d a t i m p r o v i n g t h e
s e c u r i t y , c e r t i fi c a t i o n , e f fi c i e n c y a n d g o v e r n a n c e o f o p e n a n d c l o s e d d a t a a n d
of the AI system.
3. Promote the specific development of AI technologies in the field of natural language

processing, w h i c h r e p r e s e n t s a g r e a t o p p o r t u n i t y f o r S p a i n t o p l a y a l e a d i n g
role in this area, in view of the growing importance of the Spanish language
worldwide.
PUBLIC DATA PLATFORMS
With current AI technology, the ability to impact on the value chain depends mainly on the
availability of large volumes of high-quality data and metadata. Moreover, the data must
be accessible, complete, secure and managed in full compliance with regulations on data
confidentiality.
To ensure the correct management of data in the public sphere, appropriate regulations
will be established, a Data Office created and the role of its Chief Data Officer clearly
defined. T h e D a t a O f fi c e w i l l f o r m p a r t o f t h e G e n e r a l S t a t e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n a n d
will coordinate the constituent administrations to guarantee the storage,
access and consistent, secure treatment of multilingual data related to
energy, agriculture, natural resources, infrastructure, science, industry,
social security, employment, the administration of justice and health care,
a m o n g o t h e r s e c t o r s . T h e O f fi c e w i l l e n h a n c e t h e a v a i l a b i l i t y o f d a t a s e t s ,
making them available to improve administrative procedures and to enable
the private sector to safely develop AI-based solutions, products and services
w h i l s t a p p l y i n g b e s t p r a c t i c e s i n t e r m s o f s e c u r i t y a n d d a t a q u a l i t y 47.
Following recent initiatives, Spain is now a European reference in the field of open data48.
The law on the reuse of public sector information49, h a s r e s u l t e d i n i m p o r t a n t
initiatives being taken to promote access to public data in Spain. A series of
c o l l a b o r a t i o n a g r e e m e n t s b e t w e e n t h e G e n e r a l S t a t e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n 50 a n d t h e
p u b l i c b u s i n e s s e n t i t y R e d . e s 51 t o p r o m o t e t h e a c c e s s i b i l i t y a n d r e u s e o f
public sector information has led to the adoption of a body of actions termed
the APORTA Initiative (an open data initiative sponsored by the Spanish
G o v e r n m e n t 52) . T h e O r g a n i c L a w t o P r o t e c t P e r s o n a l D a t a a n d G u a r a n t e e
D i g i t a l R i g h t s 53 e s t a b l i s h e s n e w o b l i g a t i o n s f o r t h e p u b l i c s e c t o r , s u c h a s t h e
power to verify the authenticity of citizens’ personal data and the designation
o f a D a t a P r o t e c t i o n O f fi c e .
Furthermore, initiatives on open data and the reuse of public sector information are being
applied locally and regionally, and within the context of the EU, in accordance with
amended Community regulations in this respect54. T h e l e g i s l a t i o n r e g u l a t e s t h e u s e
of data in publicly-funded research, including metadata, dynamic data and
high-value data, introducing conditions on the reuse of such data and
measures related to exclusive agreements.
An interdisciplinary Working Group on open data in the national public sector

w i l l b e c r e a t e d t o e n s u r e t h e e f fi c a c y o f t h e a b o v e a c t i o n s a n d i n i t i a t i v e s .
The private sector will be encouraged to develop accessible data storage facilities and to
facilitate data sharing and/or publication, f o l l o w i n g t h e n e c e s s a r y t e c h n i c a l
p r e p a r a t i o n a n d d e fi n i t i o n o f s t r a t e g i e s i n t h i s r e s p e c t . C o m p a n i e s w i l l b e
encouraged to establish a data life cycle, based on collection, preparation,
publication and maintenance. In addition, monitoring and supervision
p r o t o c o l s w i l l b e d e fi n e d f o r d a t a s h a r i n g .
47
Royal Decree-Law 14/2019, of 31 October, adopting urgent measures for reasons of public security in matters of digital administration, public sector
procurement and telecommunications.
48
https://datos.gob.es/es/dashboard
49
See Royal Decree 1495/2011, of 24 October, which developed Law 37/2007, of 16 November, on the reuse of public sector information, for the national public
sector.
50
Through the Secretary of State for Digital Advancement and the Secretary of State for the Civil Service.
51
https://www.red.es/redes
52
https://datos.gob.es/es
53
https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2018-16673
54
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2019.172.01.0056.01.SPA
In the judicial field, institutional skills-training policies will be adopted. T h e C e n t r e f o r

Legal Studies, part of the Ministry of Justice, will play an important role
within this Strategy Line, functioning as a Digital Intelligence Hub for the
technological legal sector (lawtech-legaltech) and providing AI skills training
within the public sector.
Regulatory measures will be adopted to reinforce commitments for the protection,

coordinated management, openness and accessibility of information available to the public
sector. Furthermore, in conjunction with the private sector, new value-added, data-driven
services will be facilitated. I n t h i s r e s p e c t , a n d i n l i n e w i t h t h e p r o p o s e d E u r o p e a n
D a t a S t r a t e g y 55 e n c o u r a g i n g t h e c r e a t i o n o f s e c t o r i a l d a t a p o o l s , a n a c t i o n
framework will be developed to implement data sharing models, as a means
of encouraging innovation and experimentation, at the following levels:
· G2B ( G o v e r n m e n t t o B u s i n e s s )
· G2G ( G o v e r n m e n t t o G o v e r n m e n t )
· G2C ( G o v e r n m e n t t o C i t i z e n )
· C2G ( C i t i z e n t o G o v e r n m e n t )
· G2G ( B u s i n e s s t o G o v e r n m e n t )
· G2C ( B u s i n e s s t o B u s i n e s s )
The introduction of new, data-driven processes and services, in both the public and private
spheres, will be assured by the use of secure environments, or sandboxes, with the
support of the European Commission and the European Parliament. T h e m a i n p u r p o s e
of this approach is to test new AI applications in different areas, in
comparison with the existing regulatory framework, in a process performed
by participating entities and the regulatory authority. These sandboxes and
data repositories may be exploited by government agencies, as users and
catalysts of AI, and by the creators of and contributors to the data
repositories, possibly as part of a network of Digital Innovation Hubs. They
are expected to be particularly valuable for SMEs, both regionally and locally.
In Spain, the General Secretariat for the Treasury and Financial Policy has
p r o m o t e d a F i n a n c i a l S a n d b o x l a w 56, t o e s t a b l i s h a n a p p r o p r i a t e l e g a l
e n v i r o n m e n t i n w h i c h fi n a n c i a l i n n o v a t i o n s w i l l b e i m p l e m e n t e d e f fi c i e n t l y a n d
safely. Thus, government administrations and others will be able to safely
investigate new formats for data use, such as the acquisition of information
relevant to taxation, as an alternative to current information return systems.
55
https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/communication-european-strategy-data-19feb2020_en.pdf
56
https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/consejodeministros/Paginas/enlaces/180220-enlace_financiero.aspx
Finally, the Data for Social Good project will be launched, to stimulate the use and good
governance of public and private data, thus generating a social and public good. O p e n
data, citizen-generated data and government-to-citizen data transactions will
be used to streamline processes that produce a marked social and public
impact, thus enhancing the quantity and quality of public participation in
government. For example, combinations of open, public or citizen-generated
data could be used to monitor environmental phenomena (from air quality to
the mapping of invasive species), to study aspects of community health or to
open up new lines of public and private research.
DATA-ENABLING PLATFORMS AND CYBERSECURITY
For AI to be a powerful driver of innovation and economic growth in our country, it is

necessary to promote digital-enabling technologies such as connectivity infrastructure,
big-data storage environments (cloud technology), cybersecurity, high-performance
computing, the Internet of Things, AI at the edge, automation, process control and smart
systems for the development of services, products and processes.
An important element within the framework of cloud computing technologies is the

European Gaia-X initiative, an ambitious project to create an efficient, secure and sovereign
European public-private data infrastructure. T h i s p l a t f o r m w i l l e n a b l e p r o v i d e r s t o
offer cloud computing services, in full compliance with European quality and
performance standards. Another initiative within this same framework is the
E u r o p e a n O p e n S c i e n c e C l o u d 57, i n t e n d e d t o m a n a g e , a n a l y s e a n d r e u s e d a t a
for research, innovation and education. This virtual infrastructure will help
develop and support open science and open innovation throughout Europe and
beyond.
Spain has a favourable starting point in this regard, thanks to its rapid
deployment of very-high-speed connectivity, providing a lever for digital
transformation and the deployment of AI technologies. Spain already has the
m o s t e x t e n s i v e fi b r e o p t i c n e t w o r k i n E u r o p e , a v a i l a b l e t o m o r e t h a n 8 0 % o f
t h e p o p u l a t i o n 58. W i t h i t s 5 G d e v e l o p m e n t p l a n , S p a i n i s a m o n g t h e m o s t
advanced countries in the world in the development of next-generation
n e t w o r k s . A m o n g o t h e r b e n e fi t s , t h i s g r e a t l y f a c i l i t a t e s t h e p e n e t r a t i o n o f A I
technologies, for the use of companies and citizens regardless of their
geographic location and income. Also of note are the 5G pilot projects that
h a v e b e e n a p p r o v e d 5 9 a n d t h e w i d e v a r i e t y o f s i t u a t i o n s t h a t c a n b e n e fi t f r o m
this technology (for example, in medical diagnostics and real-time image
analysis).
44
57
https://www.csic.es/sites/default/files/22febrero2019%20EOSC%20Synergy_0.pdf
58
Data according to the report “Broadband Coverage in Spain, as of June 2018”.
https://avancedigital.gob.es/banda-ancha/cobertura/Documents/Cobertura-BA-2018.pdf
59
https://www.red.es/redes/es/que-hacemos/pilotos-5g
In June 2019, after a coordinated international exercise, the EU decided to make a

significant investment in pre-exascale supercomputing research infrastructure, to be
performed on the supercomputer at the National Supercomputing Centre in Barcelona60.
This decision places Spain on the European supercomputing map,
consolidating it as a benchmark within the EU and making it a pole of
attraction for basic research and technological development for the private
sector. Support from EuroHPC (the European High Performance Computing
joint undertaking) means that Spain will play a leading role in this area, which
among other outcomes will facilitate the development of AI on the
international stage.
Emerging applications, such as those used by autonomous vehicles, human-machine

interactions and the Internet of Things, require the incorporation of advanced data
analytics capabilities into these peripheral devices. F o r s u c h a p p l i c a t i o n s , m o r e o v e r ,
the data environment must be secure, ensuring the principles of
c o n fi d e n t i a l i t y , i n t e g r i t y a n d a v a i l a b i l i t y a r e f u l l y u p h e l d .
To guarantee this data security, all agents involved – the Administration, the business
world and private citizens – must be alert to the perils and opportunities present, and
there must be effective coordination between all involved in protecting the network,
including regional authorities, the national cybersecurity centres and the
Spanish Institute of Cybersecurity (INCIBE), which is responsible for
promoting companies’ cybersecurity, together with these agencies’
counterparts in Europe and elsewhere. INCIBE provides cybersecurity
services and mechanisms to prevent or respond to information security
incidents, together with programmes to promote the advancement of an
information-security culture, via awareness-raising and specialised training.
INCIBE also generates and shares research knowledge related to
c y b e r s e c u r i t y , g e n e r a t i n g a n d d e v e l o p i n g t a l e n t i n t h e fi e l d , a n d p r o v i d e s a
c h a n n e l f o r c o o r d i n a t i o n a m o n g n a t i o n a l a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l o r g a n i s a t i o n s 61.
NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES
A basic component of AI infrastructure is the processing of natural language. In this area,

Spain benefits from the presence of a large body of experts in technology and the use of
Spanish in AI. I n c o n s e q u e n c e , S p a i n h a s p r e s e n t e d i t s P l a n f o r t h e P r o m o t i o n
o f L a n g u a g e T e c h n o l o g i e s 62, t o p r o m o t e t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f n a t u r a l l a n g u a g e
processing, automatic translation and conversational systems, in Castilian
S p a n i s h a n d o t h e r c o - o f fi c i a l l a n g u a g e s , t h u s c o n t r i b u t i n g t o t h e
internationalisation of companies and institutions in this sector, expanding
Spanish participation in international R&D&I in ICTs, and enhancing
cooperation with the Ibero-American community.
60
https://www.bsc.es/es
61
https://www.incibe.es/que-es-incibe/que-hacemos
62
https://www.plantl.gob.es/tecnologias-lenguaje/PTL/Paginas/plan-impulso-tecnologias-lenguaje.aspx
In addition, the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) has recently underwritten an agreement
between the network of academies and the main operators of digital platforms, termed the
LEIA (Spanish Language and Artificial Intelligence) Project63, aimed at defending,
projecting and making good use of the Spanish language in the digital universe, especially
in the field of AI and related technologies.
T h e a f fi l i a t e d o r g a n i s a t i o n s u n d e r t a k e t o u s e c o m p o n e n t s a n d m a t e r i a l s f o r
the development and deployment of their conversational assistants, their
text-based language processing machines, search engines, etc., enabling
Spanish to be included as an available language in their products or services.
In this respect, moreover, the signatories pledge to follow the RAE criteria on
the good use of Spanish.
T h e s i g n i fi c a n c e a n d s p e c i fi c i t y o f n a t u r a l l a n g u a g e i n t h e P u b l i c a n d L e g a l
Administrations ecosystem will also be taken into account, both in the
provision of services to citizens and in the internal management of
government.
ACTION TARGET 2025

ACTION TARGET 3.1 – PROMOTE DATA PLATFORMS
ACTION 12. C r e a t e a national body for data governance ( t h e D a t a O f fi c e ) , t o b e

h e a d e d b y a C h i e f D a t a O f fi c e r . A c t i v e l y p a r t i c i p a t e i n i n i t i a t i v e s t o c r e a t e
secure data repositories in the EU and in coordinating AI applications in the
Administration, supported by regulatory sandboxes.
ACTION 13. Create decentralised, accessible data pools a n d r e p o s i t o r i e s , t o

facilitate the provision of value-added services based on data infrastructure
and the construction of safe, innovative AI applications in a regulatory
sandbox environment.
63
https://www.rae.es/noticias/la-rae-presenta-el-proyecto-lengua-espanola-e-inteligencia-artificial-leia-en-el-xvi
ACTION TARGET 3.2 - PROVIDE ENABLING TECHNOLOGICAL

INFRASTRUCTURES
ACTION 14. Promote the National Plan for Language Technologies a n d r e s o u r c e

creation in the Spanish Language in AI (LEIA) initiative sponsored by the
Spanish Royal Academy and the National Language Plan.
ACTION 15. S t r e n g t h e n strategic supercomputing capabilities, p r o m o t e t h e

development of high performance computing, facilitate access to and use of
existing supercomputing centres and introduce Communication and Quantum
Computing and Edge Computing.
ACTION 16. L a u n c h t h e Data for Social Good Project, b a s e d o n t h e u s e o f p u b l i c

and citizen-generated data to generate a positive collective return (citizen
science, the contribution of evidence for public policies, etc.).
STRATEGY
LINE 4.
INCORPORATE AI INTO VALUE
CHAINS TO TRANSFORM THE
ECONOMIC FABRIC
STRATEGY LINE 4. INCORPORATE AI INTO VALUE CHAINS TO

TRANSFORM THE ECONOMIC FABRIC
The digitalisation of society and business will create contexts in which
compiling, processing and analysing data is the only way to understand
reality, create strategic value, optimise processes and, in short, prosper.
Therefore, AI is emerging as a sector of activity that in itself may generate
close to 14 trillion euros within the global economy in 2030 and double
economic growth rates by 2035.
Artificial Intelligence Revenue, World Markets: 2016-2025
$40.000
$35.000
$30.000
$25.000
($ Millions)
$20.000
$15.000
$10.000
$5.000
$
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Source:
T h e m a r k e t r e s e a r c h fi r m T r a c t i c a f o r e c a s t s t h a t a n n u a l r e v e n u e g e n e r a t e d
by AI-based technologies will grow from $643.7 million in 2016 to $36.8
billion by 2025.
At present, half of all AI activities are concentrated in the following areas:
· Automation of large-scale data processing, r e d u c i n g e r r o r m a r g i n s a n d d a t a

processing times.
· Diagnosis and processing of historical data: i n c r e a s i n g t h e s p e e d a n d a c c u r a c y

of diagnoses and enabling the early detection of anomalies.
· Automated customer service agents (Chatbots): V o i c e or text-driven

conversational interfaces that allow the user to interact with the
organisation’s computer and operational systems, using natural language and
with little or no human-human interaction.
· Automatic threat prevention, e n a b l i n g r e s p o n s e p r o t o c o l s t o b e t r i g g e r e d

almost immediately.
· Fraud investigation and analysis: A I m o d e l s o f s u p e r v i s e d o r u n s u p e r v i s e d

learning, to reduce analysis time and margins of error in detecting risk or
actual fraud in large volumes of transactions.
Examples of the most used use cases
9,80%
Research systems and
quality management recommendation
9,80%
Diagnosis and treatment systems
Customer service agents

9% automated
50%
Customer service agents
automated
10,30% Fraud analysis and investigation
Others
10%
Source: own elaboration based on IDC data
THE CURRENT STATUS OF AI IN SPANISH COMPANIES
AI and Big Data are irregularly distributed in business activity sectors in Spain. I n 2 0 1 8 ,
only 11.2% of SMEs and large companies and 2.3% of micro-companies used
B i g D a t a , a n d t h e s e fi r m s w e r e c o n c e n t r a t e d i n a f e w s p e c i fi c s e c t o r s :
information and communications (30.2% and 10.7%, respectively),
t r a n s p o r t a t i o n a n d s t o r a g e ( 1 8 . 9 % a n d 3 . 7 % ) a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l , s c i e n t i fi c a n d
technical activities (14.2% and 3.6%). These low rates of adoption mean there
i s a m p l e r o o m f o r i m p r o v e m e n t , i n t e r m s o f b e n e fi t i n g f r o m t h e s e
technologies and creating business value.
A w i d e r u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f t h i s p o t e n t i a l w o u l d e n c o u r a g e fi r m s t o a s s i g n
adequate budgets for AI-based R&D activities and digital skills training, thus
maximising investment returns.
V a r i o u s s e c t o r s h a v e b e e n i d e n t i fi e d a s p r e s e n t i n g g r e a t p o t e n t i a l f o r t h e
adoption of AI, due to their size and importance in the Spanish production
system. These sectors include tourism, health, agriculture, food and digital
content, as well as other industries in which complementary technologies are
being applied to AI, such as virtual and augmented reality, robotics in
manufacturing, and the Internet of Things in Edge computing environments.
The impact of AI-based digital entrepreneurship

The disruptive technologies of the 21st century have largely been driven by
companies created by entrepreneurs, and this SME segment should be
supported in order to create AI-powered vertical lines of innovation.
AI startup hubs in the EU
London 97
Berlin 30
Paris 26
Madrid 15
Estockolm 12
Moscow 9
Amsterdam 9
Barcelona 7
Copenhagen 7
Dublin 6
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Based on data from Asgard Roland Berger

Spain is the fourth-largest AI market in Europe, and together with the United
Kingdom, France and Germany it accounts for 60% of startups, laboratories
and communities in the continent. Features of the AI market in Spain include
its well advanced deployment of connectivity infrastructure, its buoyant
research and innovation ecosystem, and a high level of human capital
d e v e l o p m e n t , i n t e r m s o f a d v a n c e d t e c h n i c a l q u a l i fi c a t i o n s .
Although Spain has a very active ecosystem of companies, with significant growth rates
both in business creation and survival, the institutional and private funds available are
insufficient to enable scalability, in contrast to other countries. D e s p i t e t h e n o t a b l e
d e v e l o p m e n t o f fi n a n c i n g i n s t r u m e n t s a n d t h e r o l e o f c a p i t a l m a r k e t s i n t h e
expansion of new companies (for example, through the Alternative Stock
Market), an OECD report indicates that private equity investment in
AI-focused startups in Spain from 2011 to mid-2018 was only 3% of the
c o r r e s p o n d i n g a m o u n t i n v e s t e d i n t h e E U , w e l l b e h i n d t h e fi g u r e s f o r F r a n c e
(13%), Germany (14%) and the United Kingdom (55%).
These data show there remains ample room for improvement if Spain is to
create an ecosystem of growth and innovation similar to that developed in
other countries in the Single Market, and to lever its AI research capabilities
to make Spanish companies industry leaders.
INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE AI IN ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS ACTIVITY
Spain has launched a series of initiatives to encourage the practical application of AI from
R&D&I findings, i n c l u d i n g t h e S p a n i s h S t r a t e g y f o r S c i e n c e , T e c h n o l o g y a n d
I n n o v a t i o n 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 2 7 , t h e S t a t e P l a n s f o r S c i e n t i fi c , T e c h n i c a l a n d I n n o v a t i o n
Research, the recent Spanish Strategy for R&D&I in AI, the Technology and
Innovation Strategy for Defence, the forthcoming Strategy for Safe,
Sustainable and Connected Mobility, the National Integrated Energy and
Climate Plan and the 4th National Strategy for Connected Industry. These
action plans and programmes specify the instruments needed for AI
technologies to be incorporated into applications and developments. Other
programmes in this area include the Strategic Action on the Digital Economy
and Society and the State Subprogramme to Promote Enabling Technologies
( p a r t o f t h e S t a t e P l a n f o r S c i e n t i fi c , T e c h n i c a l a n d I n n o v a t i o n R e s e a r c h
2 0 1 7 - 2 0 2 0 ) . T h e l a t t e r p r o g r a m m e s a r e s p e c i fi c a l l y a i m e d a t s t r e n g t h e n i n g
business competitiveness. Nevertheless, these programmes should also be
r e - d i m e n s i o n e d s o t h a t n o t o n l y m u l t i n a t i o n a l s b u t a l s o S M E s m a y b e n e fi t
from these advances. The successful implementation of these programmes
will stimulate innovation in the Spanish business world and help prevent a
brain drain of Spanish talent to other countries.
The Autonomous Communities have developed local strategies for digitalisation, w i t h

i n i t i a t i v e s i n fi e l d s s u c h a s s u p e r c o m p u t i n g , q u a n t u m c o m p u t i n g ,
blockchains, AI and 5G.
O n e o f t h e a r e a s i n w h i c h S p a i n h a s h a d m o s t s u c c e s s i s t h a t o f Smart City
projects, which provide an ideal framework for the application of AI, where it
h a s r e s o l v e d c h a l l e n g e s i n e c o n o m i c , s o c i a l a n d e n v i r o n m e n t a l fi e l d s , a s w e l l
as in public management and governance. These projects are in line with the
provisions of the National Plan for Smart Territories, the successor to the
Smart Cities Plan, which have led to initiatives to improve digitalisation and
services in local contexts, as envisaged at the Smart City Expo World
Congress.
Spain is also a leading force in the aerospace sector, a n i n d u s t r y w h e r e A I i s

increasingly being used for tasks such as analysing satellite data (for
meteorological predictions, navigation, etc.), studying climate change,
c o n t r o l l i n g h u m a n t r a f fi c k i n g , d e t e c t i n g p a n d e m i c s , u r b a n p l a n n i n g ,
monitoring migrations and detecting industrial activities. In the “New Space”
fi e l d t h a t i s o p e n i n g u p , S p a i n h a s p r o v e n i t s l e a d e r s h i p c a p a b i l i t i e s i n
commercial cargo micro-launchers, and has the best geography in Europe for
the commercialisation of space transport, an industry in which data and AI are
the basis for its logistics operations.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS TO SUPPORT THE PRIVATE SECTOR
To properly develop AI, digital entrepreneurship must be levered to transform, promote

and accelerate the economy and society. S u c c e s s i n t h i s a r e a w i l l h e l p b r i n g a b o u t
a change in the country's economic model through the creation, consolidation
and growth of companies, focusing on technological development, fostering
talent and ensuring equality of opportunities for men and women. To achieve
these goals, a series of measures are envisaged for application in the short,
medium and long term to strategic sectors of the Spanish economy, such as
mobility, the agri-food industry, health and tourism. In addition, legislation
on startups will be enacted and a review will be conducted of public-sector
fi n a n c i a l s u p p o r t m e c h a n i s m s .
In this field, too, the Government has created various programmes and instruments aimed
primarily at SMEs. N o t a b l y , t h e M i n i s t r y o f S c i e n c e a n d I n n o v a t i o n h a s
established the Innvierte programme (to be applied by the Centre for
Industrial Technological Development), facilitating risk capital and seed
capital, in collaboration with private investors. Direct subsidies for new
companies are also provided, under the Neotec programme. Other
instruments have been introduced under the National Strategy for AI (with
participative loans, via the programmes Young Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurs
a n d G r o w t h ) , b y t h e O f fi c i a l C r e d i t I n s t i t u t e ( w h i c h t o g e t h e r w i t h t h e
fund-of-funds Global FOND-ICO promotes the creation of privately-managed
venture capital funds to invest in Spanish companies, at all stages of
d e v e l o p m e n t ) a n d b y m o r e s e c t o r - s p e c i fi c a g e n c i e s s u c h a s t h e I n s t i t u t e f o r
D i v e r s i fi c a t i o n a n d E n e r g y S a v i n g ( I D A E ) ( w h i c h i n 2 0 1 9 p a r t i c i p a t e d i n
innovative investment projects focused on the ecological transition) and the
Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET).
Further action is needed to strengthen public financial support for private initiatives, in
order to increase the impact of resources allocated to grants and to improve the return on
the investments made via credits, venture capital, seed capital, industrial property
instruments and other approaches to sharing the risks inherent to technological
innovation, e s p e c i a l l y i n t h e i n i t i a l s t a g e s o f b u s i n e s s s e t u p .
At different levels, government administrations have promoted technological centres and

supported technological innovation i n b i o t e c h n o l o g y , h e a l t h , n a n o s c i e n c e a n d
nanotechnologies, energy and climate change, telecommunications and the
information society. In addition, support and guidance networks have been
e s t a b l i s h e d , s u c h a s t h e 2 7 d i g i t a l t r a n s f o r m a t i o n o f fi c e s t h a t h a v e r e c e n t l y
b e e n o p e n e d . M a n a g e d b y R e d . e s , t h e s e o f fi c e s p r o v i d e i n f o r m a t i o n a n d
training to SMEs to assist in the digitalisation of Spanish companies and the
expansion of digital entrepreneurship.
To incorporate AI into the productive fabric, there must be effective national and regional
coordination of the above policies, promoting synergies and avoiding the creation of closed
technological environments. T o t h i s e n d , i t i s e s s e n t i a l t h a t c o m p a n i e s
collaborate and make use of technology as a tool for narrowing the gaps still
present in terms of gender, age, urban vs. rural residence, economic capacity
and level of education. Moreover, these instruments should be aligned and
harmonised, and networks established to foster the diffusion and exchange of
good practices. Streamlined mechanisms for intersectoral cooperation
should also be introduced. In this context, a valuable role could be played by
the Science, Technology and Innovation Information System (SECTI),
c o m p o s e d o f p u b l i c a n d p r i v a t e c o o r d i n a t i n g a g e n c i e s , fi n a n c e a n d e x e c u t i o n
o f fi c e s , a n d t h e i r r e l a t i o n s h i p s , s t r u c t u r e s , m e a s u r e s a n d a c t i o n s t o p r o m o t e ,
develop and support R&D&I policy in Spain.
These national actions should be aligned with European Programmes that have
AI-oriented funding, s u c h a s t h e H 2 0 2 0 R & D & I F r a m e w o r k P r o g r a m m e , t h e
forthcoming Horizon Europe programme, the LIFE programme, the Digital
Europe programme, the European Defence Industrial Development
Programme and the future European Defence Fund. Other relevant areas,
albeit at a lesser order of magnitude, include the projects developed by the
European Defence Agency and by NATO. This international involvement means
t h a t S p a i n m u s t e n s u r e i t h a s s u f fi c i e n t m e a n s t o e n s u r e a p r o a c t i v e
presence, with active participation by public agencies (via SECTI) and the
private sector.
Spain must also simplify and promote foreign direct investment and improve the
regulatory framework to increase the return on investment. T h e r e f o r e , w e m u s t
support the ministries involved, promote the InvestInSpain programme and
w o r k t o w a r d s e l i m i n a t i n g r e g u l a t o r y , t e c h n i c a l , fi s c a l , l e g a l o r o t h e r b a r r i e r s
to attracting skills and talent.
G i v e n t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f d e v e l o p m e n t s i n t h i s fi e l d , i n E u r o p e a n d w o r l d w i d e ,
mechanisms should be established, addressing political, social, economic,
security and sustainability issues, to ensure that Spain maintains its active
role in the initiatives promoted by the EU, the OECD and international private
forums (such as the World Economic Forum). In this respect, the UN
Information and Communication Technologies Facility (UNICTF), located in
Valencia, is an AI reference centre for the entire UN system. The development
of AI, from programming the necessary algorithms to their real-world
application, should comply with and contribute to the European Green Deal,
w h i c h a i m s t o m a k e E u r o p e t h e fi r s t c l i m a t e - n e u t r a l c o n t i n e n t , e n s u r e a f a i r
and inclusive transition, promote the intelligent use of resources for a clean,
circular economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution and
restore biodiversity. Furthermore, the contribution of AI to the economy and
growth must impose no ecological burden on the environment.

ACTION TARGET 4.1 - HELP INTEGRATE AI INTO THE
PRODUCTIVE FABRIC
ACTION 17. 17. Launch aid and support programmes f o r d i g i t a l t r a n s f o r m a t i o n

and the incorporation of AI into production processes within existing value
chains.
ACTION 18. Launch programmes to promote innovation in AI, as part of the Recovery,
Transformation and Resilience Plan, as stipulated in the Spain, an
Entrepreneurial Nation strategy and in the 2030 Industrial Policy Strategy.
These programmes will be applied through Digital Innovation Hubs and other
centres, the entrepreneurship and spinoff programmes offered by
u n i v e r s i t i e s , t h e N a t i o n a l E n t r e p r e n e u r s h i p O f fi c e a n d t h e t e r r i t o r i a l s u p p o r t
n e t w o r k . I n a d d i t i o n , a n e c o s y s t e m o f p a r t i c i p a t i o n a n d m u t u a l b e n e fi t w i l l b e
created, involving companies in the activities carried out at specialised AI
hubs.
ACTION 19. Launch the NextTech public-private venture capital fund t o p r o m o t e

digital entrepreneurship and to foster the creation of highly innovative
t e c h n o l o g y - b a s e d c o m p a n i e s i n t h e fi e l d o f A I a n d i t s d i g i t a l e n a b l i n g
technologies.
ACTION 20. 2 0 . D e v e l o p t h e National Programme for Green Algorithms a n d

p r o m o t e t h e a p p l i c a t i o n o f A I i n t h e fi e l d o f s u s t a i n a b i l i t y .
STRATEGY
LINE 5.
ENHANCE THE USE OF
AI IN GOVERNMENT
ADMINISTRATION AND IN
NATIONAL STRATEGIC
MISSIONS
STRATEGY LINE 5. ENHANCE THE USE OF AI IN GOVERNMENT

ADMINISTRATION AND IN NATIONAL STRATEGIC MISSIONS
The importance of the public sector in this technology is such that it is present in the AI
strategies of many countries. F u r t h e r p r o o f i s a p p a r e n t i n h o w t h e i s s u e i s
addressed in international forums in which AI development frameworks are
d e fi n e d , s u c h a s t h e O E C D , w h i c h h a s i s s u e d a s p e c i fi c r e p o r t o n t h e q u e s t i o n :
H e l l o , W o r l d : A r t i fi c i a l i n t e l l i g e n c e a n d i t s u s e i n t h e p u b l i c s e c t o r 6 4 , a n d t h e
A I W a t c h o f t h e E u r o p e a n C o m m i s s i o n , w h i c h i n i t s A r t i fi c i a l I n t e l l i g e n c e f o r
the Public Sector report analyses the use and impact of AI in public services.
The digitalisation of government administrations is one of the main “lever” policies set out
in Spain’s plan for Recovery, Transformation and Resilience. I n d e e d , the
modernisation of public sector processes is expected to underpin and drive
t h e e c o n o m y a n d s o c i e t y i n g e n e r a l . T h i s w i l l b e a c h i e v e d , fi r s t l y , b y
increasing productivity in both the public and the private sectors, and by
enhancing the relationship between citizens and the administration. In
addition, this modernisation will spur the development of new technological
solutions and the innovation they generate within public management and
procurement. Finally, it will foster the modernisation of skills and abilities
throughout society.
In this context, the integration of AI will impact significantly on growth, by increasing

productivity in the operation of public services, enhancing the citizen-administration
interface, streamlining internal management, accelerating decision-making, supporting
information management systems and aiding the definition and application of public
policies. A l l o f t h e s e b e n e fi t s w i l l a c c r u e f r o m t h e t e c h n o l o g i c a l c h a n g e s
promoted by AI, affecting the productive and economic sectors, our
relationships with others and how we view and understand the environment.
Facing this transformation, government agencies cannot allow themselves to
be left behind.
AI helps improve the transparency and disclosure of public activity, which ultimately
benefits us all. I t i s o u r d u t y , a s c i t i z e n s , t o m o n i t o r g o v e r n m e n t a c t i v i t y , t o
understand it well and to be capable of using applications adapted to our
needs; in short, to make good use of technological advances and thus improve
our quality of life.
This is why it is necessary to consider the relationship between government

a d m i n i s t r a t i o n a n d A I . F i r s t l y , w e d e s c r i b e t h e b e n e fi t s t h a t A I p r o v i d e s , a f t e r
which we examine the government’s role as a promoter of these technologies,
a n d fi n a l l y w e h i g h l i g h t t h e b e n e fi t s t h a t c i t i z e n s c a n o b t a i n f r o m t h i s
relationship.
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REFORM PF PUBLIC SERVICES
1
Artificial Public
Intelligence Administratipn
2
IMPACT OF IA
Better service
for citizens
Figure 5. The introduction of AI into public administrations and its impact on citizens’ services
THE IMPACT OF AI ON PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM
A I e n a b l e s p u b l i c a g e n c i e s t o b e c o m e m o r e e f f e c t i v e a n d e f fi c i e n t , a n d t o
e n h a n c e t h e i r r e l a t i o n s w i t h s o c i e t y . A m o n g t h e m a n y b e n e fi t s o f f e r e d , A I
enables government administration to:
· Make decisions in a transparent way. I n f o r m a t i o n o f p u b l i c i n t e r e s t m u s t b e

accessible, thus promoting open government and allowing citizens to monitor
policymaking and implementation. To achieve this, the quality of the data
provided and its accessibility will be improved and a data-focused culture
fostered, using transparent, explainable algorithms to strengthen
relationships between citizens and their government.
· Create public data repositories p r o v i d i n g a c c e s s u n d e r o p t i m a l c o n d i t i o n s o f

s e c u r i t y , l e g a l i t y , i n t e g r i t y , c o n fi d e n t i a l i t y a n d p r o t e c t i o n o f t h e p r i v a c y o f
citizens. These repositories will facilitate the development of new
applications and opportunities, both for the public sector (in health
management, education, security, ecological transition, town planning,
sustainable mobility, etc.) and for the private sector.
· Reach evidence-based decisions and conduct informed policy evaluation. F o r a

public policy to achieve its objective, in justice, health, employment, or any
other area, the decisions taken must be based on the most accurate,
up-to-date knowledge available, thus ensuring public action is optimally
effective and correctly oriented. Moreover, this should be done with full
r e s p e c t f o r p r i v a c y , t h e c o n fi d e n t i a l i t y o f p e r s o n a l d a t a a n d t h e p r i n c i p l e s o f
inclusion, accessibility and sustainability. Finally, this approach enables
government agencies to take structured, reliable action in critical areas such
as epidemiological prevention and responses to natural phenomena.
· Increase the efficiency of administrative processes, s t r e a m l i n i n g p r o c e d u r e s ,

automating processes, incorporating the use of robots, enhancing
interactions with citizens via virtual assistants or chatbots, strengthening
security, combating fraud with models based on the detection of fraudulent
patterns of behaviour, and in general, improving the quality of
analytics-based public policies in order to determine optimal policies from
simulations. Each of the ministries involved will implement programmes to
integrate AI into its systems in order to improve data repositories and provide
a better public service.
· Avoid imbalances between rights and obligations i n t h e p r o v i s i o n a n d u s e o f

data.
In this application of AI technologies to transform the Administration and its

processes, potential areas of complementarity with the provisions of the
S t r a t e g i c D i g i t a l A d m i n i s t r a t i o n P l a n 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 2 4 6 5 , w i l l b e i d e n t i fi e d , w i t h i n
t h e f r a m e w o r k o f t h e E U S t r u c t u r a l R e f o r m S u p p o r t P r o g r a m m e 66, i n o r d e r t o
obtain synergies with initiatives arising within the framework of these
programmes.
Furthermore, and as in the United Kingdom67, a guide will be published on the use of AI in
the public sector, to ensure this technology is introduced in an orderly, interoperable
manner, in compliance with ethical principles and current legislation and contributing to
the development of trade and economic growth. T h e c o n t e n t o f t h i s g u i d e w i l l b e
determined in collaboration with the Autonomous Communities and with local
c o r p o r a t i o n s , t h r o u g h a Sector Conference.
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igital-inicia-elaboracion-Plan-Estrategico-2021-2024.html
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srsp_es
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https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/a-guide-to-using-artificial-intelligence-in-the-public-sector
THE ADMINISTRATION AS A DRIVER OF AI DEVELOPMENT
The public sector has always played an inspirational role in driving the development,
application and widespread adoption of new technologies, and must continue to do so
throughout the process of AI adoption, f u n d i n g r e s e a r c h a n d i n n o v a t i o n i n t h e
pre-rollout phases, promoting its development among users of new
t e c h n o l o g i e s , i m p r o v i n g e f fi c i e n c y i n t h e m a n a g e m e n t a n d i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f
public policies, adopting innovative solutions and promoting the sector in a
manner compatible with constitutional values.
Fund
innovation
Promote skils Promote

training innovation
Adopt
innovation
Figure 6. The role of the Administration in promoting the development of AI
Government administrations in Spain must strive to ensure that our country

is not left behind in the adoption of technological advances such as AI, which
will undoubtedly become a major driver of the global economy. To maximise
access to the opportunities generated by AI, the following initiatives are
proposed with respect to funding, public-private cooperation and
inter-administration coordination:
· Foster the introduction and adoption of AI through financial instruments s u c h a s

grants and subsidies, at national and supranational levels. This funding
should be used to implement public and private projects that go beyond the
possibilities of the relevant
· Encourage public and private investment through mission-based programmes,

fostering innovation in socially important sectors such as sustainability and
health care. Many public-private cooperation programmes will be located in
the following areas, in which AI will doubtless become invaluable: safe,
e f fi c i e n t a n d c l e a n e n e r g y f o r t h e 2 1 s t c e n t u r y ; s u s t a i n a b l e a n d s m a r t
mobility; the revitalisation of the agro-food sector, keeping it large,
sustainable and healthy; reinforcing and modernising Spanish industry;
enabling a sustainable response to diseases and to the special needs of an
aging population. These areas will all be addressed from a gender
perspective.
· Introduce innovative mechanisms of public procurement, v i a t h e I n n o v a t i v e

Public Procurement Programme referred to in Strategy Line 4 among the
fi n a n c i a l s u p p o r t i n s t r u m e n t s t o b e m a d e a v a i l a b l e t o i n n o v a t i v e c o m p a n i e s ,
in order to optimise the use of subsidies and public credits, and to enable
universities to transfer their research outcomes to the market.
· Commission technological solutions, thus promoting the development of new

programmes and capacities by the private sector. T h e p u b l i c s e c t o r h a s n u m e r o u s A I
needs, in areas such as employment, health, justice and migration, and the
call for these needs to be met will, in turn, stimulate innovation in AI. For this
p u r p o s e , s p e c i fi c p r o c u r e m e n t i n s t r u m e n t s m a y b e u s e d , s u c h a s t h e
i n n o v a t i o n - f o c u s e d a s s o c i a t i o n , b y v i r t u e o f w h i c h a p u b l i c a g e n c y i d e n t i fi e s
an objective or problem, inviting private companies to provide appropriate
solutions. This approach will foster private innovation in areas where as yet
no proven system or procedure exists. In this respect, too, the guidelines of
the Digital Europe Programme will be taken into account, and the
i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f t h e W h i t e P a p e r o n A r t i fi c i a l I n t e l l i g e n c e w i l l b e
monitored, with particular regard to the adoption of AI in the public sector.
· Promote AI through other mechanisms, such as regulation, using controlled

environments (sandboxes). T h e p r e s e n t S t r a t e g y w i l l b e c o m p l e m e n t e d b y a c t i o n
programmes designed and implemented by the corresponding Ministries and
sectors. In addition, public sector training in AI will be promoted, new
technologies incorporated into employment selection processes, and
administrative agencies restructured.
IMPROVE PUBLIC SERVICES
The actions described above will improve the services provided to citizens, w i t h t h e u s e
of mechanisms such as the Personal File (enabling citizens to access their
administrative records online) and the One-Stop Register. Public service will
also be improved with the growing implementation of AI, which will
streamline procedures and automate tasks, making public services better
targeted and more usable, accessible and personalised, for individuals and
companies.
As noted above, the use of AI will transform the services offered by the
Administration. Virtual robots and data processing tools will help optimise
the use of time and resources, through the automation of routine tasks,
resulting in improved service quality and reduced costs. By means of virtual
robotics, personnel will be released from many repetitive tasks, alleviating
workloads and allowing staff to focus on areas in which their input is
essential, thus enhancing their value. Furthermore, the use of natural
language processing technologies will improve the relationship between
a d m i n i s t r a t i v e o f fi c e s a n d c i t i z e n s , t h r o u g h t h e i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f n e w f o r m s
of communication such as chatbots.
AI is making contributions to the public sector in many areas. For example, the
mission-oriented approach is applicable to the provision of public services in activity
sectors such as health and social services, environment and energy, justice,
transportation and logistics, education, employment and security.
AI technology and tools are increasingly used by the Customs authorities,

greatly facilitating trade and simplifying customs procedures related to
securing the international logistics of goods, persons and means of
transport, as well as performing protection and security functions. Strategic
use is also being made of more advanced tools. For example in planning,
m o n i t o r i n g a n d a n a l y s i n g O f fi c i a l S t a t e A i d , t h e I n f o @ D S t o o l p r o v i d e s m a j o r
b e n e fi t s a n d i n c r e a s e d r e l i a b i l i t y i n d a t a q u a l i t y a n d u s a b i l i t y .
A n o t h e r i m p o r t a n t fi e l d i n w h i c h A I i s a p p l i e d i s t h a t o f h e a l t h c a r e , w h e r e i t
has been used to reinforce strategic projects. One area in which AI excels is
t h e s i m p l i fi c a t i o n o f a l g o r i t h m s f o r t h e p r o v i s i o n o f h e a l t h c a r e , s u c h a s t h e
t r i a g e o f p a t i e n t s , a t a s k o f v i t a l i m p o r t a n c e t o t h e e f fi c i e n t o p e r a t i o n o f t h e
health system.
The Plan for the Digital Transformation of Public Administrations, t o b e p u b l i s h e d

soon, details the actions that will be implemented to incorporate AI into
public sector processes.

ACTION TARGET 5.1. ENSURE OPTIMAL USE IS MADE OF AI
ACTION 21. Incorporate AI into public administration p r o c e d u r e s t o i m p r o v e

e f fi c i e n c y v i s - à - v i s c i t i z e n s , i n d u s t r y , c o m p a n i e s a n d s o c i e t y i n g e n e r a l a n d
eliminate administrative bottlenecks.
ACTION 22. Launch an innovation laboratory (GobTechLab) to develop services and

applications of AI in government administration. C o o r d i n a t e t h e A I p r o g r a m m e s
being applied in Ministries and public agencies to ensure standard
programmes are used and solutions shared.
ACTION 23. AI competencies in government administration. F o s t e r t h e u s e o f A I i n

the Administration, in areas such as access to the civil service, staff training
a n d j o b d e fi n i t i o n s .
ACTION 24. Program "AI for data-based public management".

Use AI to obtain real
knowledge of society, to achieve accurate macroeconomic forecasts and to
determine public policies based on reliable, up-to-date information.
Furthermore, use AI to improve employment policies and skills-training
procedures.
ACTION TARGET 5.1. ENSURE OPTIMAL USE IS MADE OF AI
ACTION 25. Promote national strategic missions in the field of public administration
where AI can have an impact to improve services to citizens (areas such as
health, justice, employment, etc.).
STRATEGY
LINE 6.
Establish an ethical and
regulatory framework
that reinforces the
protection of individual
and collective rights, in
order to guarantee
inclusion and social
welfare.
STRATEGY LINE 6. ESTABLISH AN ETHICAL

AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK THAT
REINFORCES THE PROTECTION OF
INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE RIGHTS, IN
ORDER TO GUARANTEE INCLUSION AND
SOCIAL WELFARE.
The potential impact of the development and deployment of AI
raises expectations, but also uncertainty due to its ethical,
legal, employment, social and economic implications. F o r
Spain to exercise sovereign, effective control over
this technological revolution, the appropriate
framework for action must be created. The aim of the
National Strategy for AI is to adapt our rules of
coexistence to meet current needs, to ensure that
our ethical and legal framework is appropriate and
to determine what adjustments may be needed.
In promoting the adoption and use of AI, all

democratic societies must ensure that values of
social welfare and sustainability underpin its design,
development and implementation, requiring the use
of big data and advanced technologies in order to
improve public services and generate collective
b e n e fi t s , a s c a l l e d f o r b y t h e E U 6 8 .
I n t h i s r e s p e c t , a c t i o n s t o d e fi n e a n d d e v e l o p
services are envisaged in three key areas affected by
AI:
· Legal. P r e - e x i s t i n g f u n d a m e n t a l r i g h t s m u s t b e
p r o t e c t e d , t h e n e c e s s a r y l e g a l r e f o r m s i d e n t i fi e d ,
and action taken to address loopholes that may
require additional regulation.
· Socio-technological. A c t i o n w i l l b e t a k e n t o
establish methods, standards and processes with
which to develop automated services.
· Ethical. I t i s e s s e n t i a l t o e n s u r e t h a t t h e u s e o f
AI is in accordance with society’s fundamental
values and is employed to achieve inclusion and to
enhance the well-being of the population
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LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR AI
To ensure that society can benefit from the enormous potential of this technology, AI must
be developed in accordance with all applicable laws and with our Constitutional principles.
T h e E U i s p r e p a r i n g s p e c i fi c l e g i s l a t i o n o n A I t o e n s u r e t h a t f u n d a m e n t a l
rights are respected, emphasising the importance of privacy and
n o n - d i s c r i m i n a t i o n 6 9 . S p a i n w i l l p l a y a n a c t i v e p a r t i n E u r o p e a n t a l k s t o d e fi n e
a balanced regulatory framework that ensures the protection of fundamental
r i g h t s w h i l e f o s t e r i n g i n n o v a t i o n a n d b e n e fi t i n g f r o m t h e e c o n o m i e s o f s c a l e
offered by the internal market. This regulatory framework will allow us to
gain global competitiveness and at the same time support European digital
sovereignty.
Numerous initiatives and studies are being conducted throughout Europe to

address questions such as gender issues, ethics and computational thinking
i n A I 70.
AI systems must respect fundamental rights, enable fair access and prevent
discrimination, as well as all the rights enjoyed in the analogue world.
Legislative and administrative reforms will also be required to ensure the
acceptability and operability of the new technological scenario within a
d e m o c r a t i c f r a m e w o r k . T h e s e r e f o r m s w i l l b e e s p e c i a l l y s i g n i fi c a n t i n t h e
administration of justice, in view of the present model of co-governance in
this sector and the importance of the interoperability and interconnection of
systems and applications.
Spain will also participate in the forums of international organisations such

as the Council of Europe and the OECD to advance a joint vision on AI that is
reliable, ethical and respectful of fundamental rights, in order to ensure
continuing progress in social welfare and in the quality of life and work.
QUALITY AND TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION
It is important that AI systems be transparent and auditable, so that their operation can
readily be explained, because the tasks performed assist decision-making that may
impact significantly on people's lives and on how society functions. S u c h i s t h e c a s e , f o r
example, of medical applications or of autonomous vehicles. For this reason,
the teams in charge of developing AI systems must be aware of the possible
repercussions of their design decisions and be able to verify the quality of the
s y s t e m s d e v e l o p e d s o t h a t , w h e n a p p r o p r i a t e , t h e a p p r o p r i a t e m o d i fi c a t i o n s
can be made to alleviate any undesirable effects.
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Libro Blanco sobre Inteligencia Artificial: https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/commission-white-paper-artificial-intelligence-feb2020_es.pdf
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T h i s S t r a t e g y L i n e i n c l u d e s t w o k e y a c t i o n s a i m e d a t r e i n f o r c i n g c o n fi d e n c e i n
AI systems, together with standards to ensure their fair, inclusive and
balanced development.
To properly supervise automated systems, they will be continually monitored,

i n a p r o c e s s g o i n g b e y o n d c e r t i fi c a t i o n . M o r e o v e r , i n a d d i t i o n t o t h e
i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f E U s e a l a n d c e r t i fi c a t i o n s c h e m e s , a c a t a l o g u e o f
supplementary measures for the supervision and evaluation of algorithmic
systems will be developed.
This catalogue should facilitate the implementation of the fundamental ethical principles
established by the international community71 and will receive input from companies,
individuals, social agents and all levels of government administration, to ensure the
development of fair and appropriate AI systems:
· Human supervision. A I m u s t b e s u b j e c t t o c o n t i n u o u s m o n i t o r i n g , a n d i t
must be readily understandable.
· Governance of data and systems. T h e d a t a m u s t n o t b e u s e d t o h a r m s o c i e t y

or to breach the fundamental rights of citizens. Data have personal
implications and at the same time have the character of public good. The
ethical and legal standards employed to establish the democratic balance
between these two considerations must be carefully examined by the IA ethics
committee and also in the corresponding process of legal review and reform.
· Transparency (traceability). T h e t r a c e a b i l i t y o f A I s y s t e m s m u s t b e
guaranteed. This means ensuring that the decisions taken by algorithmic
systems can be audited, evaluated and explained by the persons ultimately
responsible.
ETHICS AND VALUES
Ethical implications emerge throughout the AI development process. One such is the
possible bias of AI algorithms, caused, for example, by their being trained with data that
are not representative of the universe intended to be explored. T h e d e s i g n a n d
implementation of algorithms requires balancing technical quality and
e f fi c i e n c y w i t h t h e a b i l i t y t o i d e n t i f y a n d c o r r e c t t h e e t h i c a l i s s u e s t h a t m a y
arise.
To ensure that the AI systems developed in Spain meet the highest standards,
consultations will be held within the AI Advisory Council to determine appropriate
measures for the development of AI, guided by the following ethical principles, among
others.
https://www.coe.int/en/web/freedom-expression/committee-of-ministers-adopted-texts/-/asset_publisher/aDXmrol0vvsU/content/recommendation-cm-rec-20
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20-1-of-the-committee-of-ministers-to-member-states-on-the-human-rights-impacts-of-algorithmic-systems?inheritRedirect=false&redirect=https%3A%2F%2
Fwww.coe.int%2Fen%2Fweb%2Ffreedom-expression%2Fcommittee-of-ministers-adopted-texts%3Fp_p_id%3D101_INSTANCE_aDXmrol0vvsU%26p_p_lifecycle
%3D0%26p_p_state%3Dnormal%26p_p_mode%3Dview%26p_p_col_id%3Dcolumn-1%26p_p_col_pos%3D1%26p_p_col_count%3D3
· Inclusion and non-discrimination. A I s y s t e m s m u s t c o n s i d e r t h e f u l l r a n g e o f

human skills and requirements, and ensure accessibility.
· Social welfare A I m u s t c o n t r i b u t e t o t h e c o m m o n g o o d , s u p p o r t i n g t h e
well-being and fundamental rights of human beings, and not diminish, limit or
divert their autonomy.
· Sustainability. A I s y s t e m s s h o u l d b e u s e d t o i m p r o v e s u s t a i n a b i l i t y a n d
ecological responsibility.
Furthermore, a wide-ranging consultation has been conducted and a Committee of Experts

established to draw up a Digital Bill of Rights, i n o r d e r t o i d e n t i f y a s e t o f
fundamental principles to regulate the use of AI systems, both nationwide and
regionally, ensuring the legislative and normative framework is appropriate
t o t h e n o v e l c i r c u m s t a n c e s a r i s i n g i n t h e d i g i t a l fi e l d , p a r t i c u l a r l y t h o s e
related to the growing implementation of AI. This Bill of Rights will also
reinforce Spain’s presence in the world forums at which issues related to
ethics and the protection of values and rights are addressed.
Digitalisation and the expansion of the knowledge society are expected to

contribute to development in partner countries and to the implementation of
t h e 2 0 3 0 A g e n d a f o r S u s t a i n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n t 72/73.
SOCIAL IMPACT AND RISK MANAGEMENT
This Strategy Line also includes various actions aimed at increasing public
c o n fi d e n c e i n A I a n d a n a l y s i n g t h e i m p a c t o f t h e u s e o f a l g o r i t h m s , i n d i f f e r e n t
areas of society.
For society to trust AI and understand the implications of its use, it must have reliable
information and appropriate skills. I n g e n e r a l , c i t i z e n s m u s t b e e n a b l e d t o a c q u i r e
basic digital skills, so that a digital society can be developed and maximum
b e n e fi t o b t a i n e d f r o m i t . A c c o r d i n g l y , t h e E U h a s d e fi n e d a E u r o p e a n
Framework of digital skills for citizenship (the EU Science Hub). In addition,
in view of the speed at which new technologies are being developed, it is
essential to observe and study the long-term impact of algorithmic
decision-making, compiling information and conducting studies that not only
identify but also anticipate its effects.
For this reason, the present Strategy will encourage citizens to take part in
t h e d e b a t e o n t h e m o s t s i g n i fi c a n t a s p e c t s o f A I a n d i t s g o v e r n a n c e , b y
promoting national and international forums for dialogue.
72
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https://www.agenda2030.gob.es/recursos/docs/AGENDA_ADDIS_ABEBA.pdf
These encounters will address fundamental issues, such as the role of ethics in AI systems
and the impact of this technology on human rights and public freedoms. T h e S t r a t e g y
also envisages that Spain will actively participate in the main international
f o r u m s o r g a n i s e d t o d e b a t e a n d d e fi n e a g l o b a l f r a m e w o r k f o r t h e
development and use of AI, with special attention to the Global Partnership on
A r t i fi c i a l I n t e l l i g e n c e p r o m o t e d b y t h e O E C D .
A register of automated systems within government administrations will be set up using

the GobTechLab, documenting both existing and future automated systems. A m o n g o t h e r
tasks, the ethical and legal aspects of AI systems will be evaluated, in order
to reinforce the legitimacy of automated government systems and to underpin
trust in them. The ethical framework created must take into account the
s p e c i fi c n a t u r e o f t h e p u b l i c - s e c t o r u s e o f A I a n d a d d r e s s t h e q u e s t i o n s i t
poses.
In addition to observing the effects of AI on the digital society, the Strategy also highlights
the need to analyse its impact on democracy, society and the individual, calling for active
participation and for international debate on the role of AI systems, which should be
focused above all on the wellbeing and sustainability of our society.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION FORUMS
Ethical reflection must begin prior to regulation and continue in parallel with it. I n t h i s
process, society delineates its sensitivity and establishes the social positions
that will later be channelled via its institutions. For this reason, there is a
clear relationship between ethical debate and forums for collective debate.
Democratic society must be led to realise that in its government and
supervision, questions of engineering design should also be addressed, to
ensure that the developers of commercial products employ technologies
aimed at improving public services and at providing collective and social
b e n e fi t s .
The nature of political debate, on the distribution of burdens and rewards during and
following social transformation, can be understood more clearly by viewing AI as a form of
infrastructure, not as a product. T h i s i n f r a s t r u c t u r e t a k e s t h e f o r m o f s t a n d a r d s
and of automated processes that act as intermediaries in the interactions of
citizens in areas such as health, agriculture, mobility, communication, social
welfare, banking, electronic commerce and employment, structuring social
relationships, practices and interactions within that context. Due to this
collective dimension, it is essential to facilitate spaces for communication
and debate among the agents involved.
For the above reasons, it is essential to promote national and international forums for
dialogue, awareness and participation in the field of AI, to foster communication between
government, science, social partners, the private sector and civil society. A c k n o w l e d g i n g
this necessity, the Government has strengthened its participation in relevant
i n t e r n a t i o n a l f o r u m s a n d i n S p a i n h a s l a u n c h e d t h e Digital Future Society f o r u m ,
t o g e t h e r w i t h t h e M o b i l e W o r l d C a p i t a l , t o p r o m o t e d e b a t e a n d s c i e n t i fi c
exchange on the humanistic, legal and ethical dimensions of technological
innovation, guaranteeing the protection of collective rights and values such
as inclusion, plurality, social cohesion, sustainability and access to public
services.
In this regard, it is essential to implement programmes fostering scientific-technological

culture, with the support of the universities and with an interdisciplinary approach. I n
this task, we must all work together, jointly fashioning a conceptual and
interpretive outlook that will enable us to understand the technological
changes currently taking place, so that citizens may adopt a critical position
in response to the social changes produced by technological advance.

ACTION TARGET 6.1 – GENERATE CONFIDENCE IN AI
ACTION 26. D e v e l o p a national AI seal of quality and prepare a battery of

s u p p l e m e n t a r y m e a s u r e s t o A I C e r t i fi c a t i o n .
ACTION 27. I m p l e m e n t observatories for ethical and legal evaluation o f t h e

algorithmic systems used in government administrations and of their impact,
i n o r d e r t o s t r e n g t h e n l e g i t i m a c y a n d f o s t e r p u b l i c c o n fi d e n c e i n t h e
automation of public administration systems.
ACTION 28. D e v e l o p a Charter of Digital Rights a s a d y n a m i c f r a m e w o r k

guaranteeing the protection of individual and collective rights in the digital
sphere, both nationally and in the European context, inspiring the
development of a global humanistic setting.
ACTION TARGET 6.2 – GOVERNING AI
ACTION 29. L a u n c h a model of national governance of AI ethics t h r o u g h t h e A I

Advisory Council, in collaboration with the Digital Transformation Advisory
Council.
ACTION 30. E s t a b l i s h forums for dialogue, awareness-raising and national and

international participation in the field of AI, t o f o s t e r c o m m u n i c a t i o n b e t w e e n
government, science, the private sector and civil society, including a plan of
a c t i v i t i e s t o e n h a n c e u n d e r s t a n d i n g a n d t o u n d e r p i n c o n fi d e n c e i n A I , a s a
framework for social technological innovation and for creating bottom-up
democratic, participatory processes with the use of new technologies.
IV.
SUMMARY
OF MEASURES
IV. SUMMARY OF MEASURES
STRATEGIC PILLAR
1.
FOSTER SCIENTIFIC 1. Spanish Network of Excellence in AI.
RESEARCH,
TECHNOLOGICAL 2. Strengthen the pre-/post-doctoral contract system for
DEVELOPMENT, research in AI.
AND INNOVATION
IN AI
3 . I n c r e a s e t h e fl e x i b i l i t y o f t h e s c i e n t i fi c c a r e e r s o f A I
research staff.
4. Promote the creation of new national multidisciplinary

centres for technological development, with special focus
on neurotechnologies.
5. Assistance programme for companies providing AI and

data solutions.
6. Strengthen the network of Digital Innovation Hubs (DIH)

specialized in AI at investigation level.
7. Create the R&D&i Missions Programme in AI to address

major social challenges.
2.
PROMOTE THE 8. Develop the National Digital Skills Plan.
DEVELOPMENT OF
DIGITAL SKILLS, 9. Promote more AI-focus training options in vocational
BOOST NATIONAL training and university education.
TALENT, AND
ATTRACT GLOBAL
TALENT IN AI
10. Implement the “SpAIn Talent Hub”Programme to
attract international talent fostering female talent.
11. Launch an assistance programme for the recognition

o f i n t e r n a t i o n a l d i p l o m a s a n d q u a l i fi c a t i o n s f o r t e a c h e r s
to attract international talent, especially women.
3.
DEVELOP DATA 1 2 . C r e a t i o n o f a D a t a O f fi c e a n d a p p o i n t m e n t o f a C h i e f
PLATFORMS AND D a t a O f fi c e r .
TECHNOLOGICAL
INFRASTRUCTURE 13. Creation of shared sectorial and industrial data pools
TO SUPPORT AI and decentralized and accessible repositories
14. Promotion of the National Language Technologies

Plan.
15. Strengthening of Strategic Supercomputing

Capabilities (cloud, edge, quantum).
16. Implementation of the Data for the Social Good

Project.
STRATEGIC PILLAR
4.
INTEGRATE AI INTO 17. Implementation of subsidy programmes to companies
VALUE CHAINS TO to incorporate AI into the production processes of value
TRANSFORM chains.
THE ECONOMIC
FABRIC 18. Programmes to promote transfer of innovation in AI
through Digital Innovation Hubs specialized in AI at
industrial level.
19. Launch of the NextTech fund of public-private venture

capital fund to promote digital entrepreneurship and
scaling up companies in AI.
20. Development of the National Green Algorithms

Programme.
5.
PROMOTE THE USE 21. Incorporate AI into the public administration to
OF AI IN THE improve e f fi c i e n c y and eliminate administrative
PUBLIC bottlenecks.a administrativos.
ADMINISTRATION
AND IN NATIONAL 22. Launch an innovation laboratory to develop new
STRATEGIC
MISSIONS
services and AI applications in the public administration
(GobTechLab).
23. Foster AI skills in the public administration.
24. “AI for a data-driven public management”

Programme.
25. Promote national strategic missions based on AI in the

sphere of the public administration (e.g. health, justice,
and employment).
6.
ESTABLISH A 26. Development of an AI national seal of quality.
FRAMEWORK THAT
GUARANTEES THE 27. Launch observatories for ethical and legal evaluation of
PROTECTION OF the impact of algorithms.
INDIVIDUAL AND
COLLECTIVE
RIGHTS,
28. Develop and foster the Charter of Digital Rights.
INCLUSION AND
SOCIAL WELFARE 29. Implement an ethics national governance model in AI (AI
Advisory Council).
30. Promote national and international forums for AI-related

dialogue, awareness raising and participation.
V. GOVERNANCE
AND BUDGETS
V. GOVERNANCE AND BUDGETS

V.1. GOVERNANCE
In the governance model proposed for the development and

execution of the Strategy, an inclusive approach is taken to
the different levels of government administration and to
the economic and social representatives involved. T h e
S t a t e S e c r e t a r i a t f o r D i g i t a l i s a t i o n a n d A r t i fi c i a l
Intelligence (SEDIA) will make use of the
instruments of State available to coordinate and
facilitate the introduction of AI into the productive
fabric, taking into consideration the European and
international initiatives adopted in this respect.
The potential impact of AI technologies on a complex,

multidimensional environment such as ours requires a
cross-sectional approach, incorporating a wide range of
public policies. T o b e e f f e c t i v e , a n a p p r o p r i a t e m o d e l
of governance must include the joint input of
various departments within the General State
Administration, and be properly implemented by
each of the Ministries concerned, coordinated by
SEDIA. Furthermore, mechanisms must be created
to ensure effective coordination with the
Autonomous Communities and local corporations.
Sectoral conferences and other forums of
coordination will be constituted to prepare the
nationwide implementation of the Strategy. Finally,
Spain's position in European and international
f o r u m s m u s t b e c a r e f u l l y s p e c i fi e d , a n d e f f o r t s
made to ensure all possible cooperation with the
private sector, which will play a crucial role in the
transition process.
This Strategy forms part of Spain’s Digital 202Agenda and

of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.
Public-private collaboration, which is vital to the
application of this Strategy, will be promoted
through the Sectoral Councils and Conferences,
a n d i n p a r t i c u l a r t h r o u g h t h e Advisory Council for
Artificial Intelligence a n d t h e Advisory Council for Digital
Transformation, w i t h t h e p a r t i c i p a t i o n o f t h e m a i n
economic and social agents.
ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR AI
The Advisory Council for AI was constituted to advise and support the government in the
field of AI through Order ETD/670/2020, of 8 July, to create and regulate the Advisory
Council for Artificial Intelligence, and to provide independent advice and recommendations
on the steps to be taken to ensure the safe and ethical use of AI.
This Advisory Council is composed of internationally-reputed Spanish

experts and of scientists, economists and representatives of society, with a
balanced gender presence.
Among its terms of reference, the Council is expected to develop and monitor the actions
taken under the Strategy, to analyse the implications of technological change in the
workplace, to consider fundamental rights, to endorse the fight against discrimination and
to defend the fair access and use of these technologies. C o m m i t t e e s m a y b e c r e a t e d t o
a d d r e s s s p e c i fi c a s p e c t s o f A I , I a r e a s s u c h a s e t h i c a l q u e s t i o n s o r i n d u s t r i a l
applications.
T h e C o u n c i l w i l l i n d e p e n d e n t l y monitor and evaluate t h e q u e s t i o n s c o n s i d e r e d ,

e s t a b l i s h i n g p r i o r c r i t e r i a e n a b l i n g i t t o r e a c h s i g n i fi c a n t c o n c l u s i o n s a n d t o
e s t a b l i s h t h e f o u n d a t i o n s f o r t r a n s i t i o n a l a n d fi n a l e v a l u a t i o n s o f t h e s o c i a l
and economic impacts of AI in activity sectors, essential public services and
society in general.
Among other functions, the Council will:
· Evaluate o b s e r v a t i o n s a n d c o m m e n t s o n t h e S t r a t e g y f o r A I , t o d r a w
conclusions that will facilitate decisions on revised versions of the
Strategy.
· Promote t r a i n i n g p l a n s a n d c o n t e n t p r o p o s a l s .
· Advise t h e g o v e r n m e n t o n q u e s t i o n s o f o p e n d a t a .
· Evaluate t h e i m p a c t o f A I o n i n d u s t r y , g o v e r n m e n t a d m i n i s t r a t i o n a n d
society.
PERIODIC REVIEW OF THE NATIONAL STRATEGY
This Strategy is intended to be responsive and flexible, in keeping with the rapidly-evolving
technology it must address. T o a c h i e v e t h i s a i m , c h a n n e l s o f c o m m u n i c a t i o n w i l l
be opened through which individuals and collectives may make the
c o n t r i b u t i o n s t h e y s e e fi t .
The information compiled will be analysed by the Advisory Council for AI, and
the conclusions drawn will provide points of reference for the next edition of
the Strategy, in two years.
V.2. INVESTMENT IN THE RECOVERY, TRANSFORMATION AND RESILIENCE PLAN
Implementation of this Strategy will require significant investment, both public and
private, in the coming years. T h e S t a t e w i l l i n v e s t 6 0 0 m i l l i o n e u r o s d u r i n g t h e
period 2021-2023, to which the Next Tech fund would be added to promote
entrepreneurship in enabling digital technologies. This boost, which could
m o b i l i z e a p r i v a t e i n v e s t m e n t o f a r o u n d 3 , 3 0 0 m i l l i o n e u r o s 74, w i l l s e r v e t o
catalyse the action of universities and companies, guiding priorities,
g e n e r a t i n g s y n e r g i e s a n d c o v e r i n g a r e a s w h e r e s i g n i fi c a n t p e r c e i v e d r i s k o r
absence of markets might delay private initiatives.
74
COM(2018) 795 final
ANNEX 1:
Relations
between
strategic aims
and lines of
action
ANNEX 1:
RELATIONS BETWEEN STRATEGIC AIMS AND LINES OF ACTION
Crucial
Important
Complementary
Line. 1 Line. 2 Line. 3 Line. 4 Line. 5 Line. 6
A. Spain, a leader in AI
science and innovation
B. Spanish-language AI
C. Workforce with AI skills

and talent
D. AI, a factor for productivity

and efficiency
E. Environment of confidence
and regulation
F. Debate on ethics and

human-centred technological
development
G. Cross-cutting vectors:
gender, digital,
environmental, territorial.
Line 1. Promote scientific research, technological development and innovation in AI.

Line 2. Promote digital capabilities, empower national talent and attract global skills in the field of AI.
Line 3. Develop data platforms and technological infrastructures in support of AI.

Line 4. Incorporate AI into value chains to transform the economic fabric.
Line 5. Enhance the use of AI in government administration and in national strategic missions.
Line 6. Establish an ethical and regulatory framework that reinforces the protection of individual and collective rights,
in order to guarantee inclusion and social welfare.
RELATION BETWEEN LINES OF ACTION AND SOCIAL CHALLENGES (CROSS-CUTTING

VECTORS)
Crucial
Important
Complementary
Line. 1 Line. 2 Line. 3 Line. 4 Line. 5 Line. 6
Gender gap
Ecological transition
Territorial cohesion
Digital literacy
Line 1. Promote scientific research, technological development and innovation in AI.

Line 2. Promote digital capabilities, empower national talent and attract global skills in the field of AI.
Line 3. Develop data platforms and technological infrastructures in support of AI.

Line 4. Incorporate AI into value chains to transform the economic fabric.
Line 5. Enhance the use of AI in government administration and in national strategic missions.
Line 6. Establish an ethical and regulatory framework that reinforces the protection of individual and collective rights,
in order to guarantee inclusion and social welfare.
ANNEX 2:
THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE IN THE
RESPONSE TO THE
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
ANNEX 2: THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19

PANDEMIC
T
he world is facing a new disease, COVID-19, caused by a novel infectious
agent, the SARS-COV-2 coronavirus, about which our knowledge is still
very limited. This means that the development of treatments and
vaccines, despite all possible efforts, is not fast and will take several
months, at least. For this reason, health authorities must resort to other,
non-pharmacological instruments to manage the epidemic, offering accurate
information to citizens, imposing measures such as lockdowns and physical
distancing, and trying to reduce infections, while strengthening health
systems.
A r t i fi c i a l i n t e l l i g e n c e i s p l a y i n g a n i m p o r t a n t r o l e i n t h e r e s p o n s e t o t h e
crisis. It is being applied to develop new treatments and vaccines, to analyse
different versions of the virus genome, to characterise the response of the
immune system, to model the degree of severity of the disease and to manage
health resources. Many smartphone apps have been developed to minimise
human contact, to support self-diagnosis and to detect exposures with a risk
of contagion. Moreover, predictive modelling and simulation systems are
being used to support healthcare systems in making data-driven decisions.
In the coming months, AI will continue to be needed, for example to support a

phased de-escalation. Although technology offers possible solutions to many
problems, careful account must be taken of the possible consequences,
ensuring that the rights and values of society are respected.
Although AI has been applied in numerous ways in response to this crisis,

f u l l y A I - b a s e d s o l u t i o n s h a v e b e e n l i m i t e d . M o d e l l i n g i s d i f fi c u l t d u e t o t h e
scant data available on the new virus and the disease it provokes.
Nevertheless, AI is proving of decisive assistance in advances in biomedical
and clinical research (in areas such as vaccines, drugs, and the biology of the
virus and of the immune response), although it is having less impact in
patient management and epidemiological management.
Finally, it is very important to draw appropriate lessons from the main

problems revealed in this crisis, in order to take corrective measures and
prepare health systems (research, clinical medicine and public health care)
s o t h a t i n t h e f u t u r e g r e a t e r b e n e fi t s c a n b e o b t a i n e d f r o m t h e a p p l i c a t i o n o f
digital technology in general and of AI in particular to manage crises such as
COVID-19. Among the future improvements needed, we should:
1. Provide mechanisms that ensure the compilation of high-quality,

standardised data.
2. Consider all aspects of the use of AI systems (privacy, data security,

accessibility, usability, etc.)
3. Ensure that AI is applied only when really necessary and that it does not
raise unrealistic expectations
4. Devise methods for the formal evaluation and measurement of results

after the application of AI systems.
5. Increase cooperation, both internationally and between areas of

knowledge (sciences, technologies, humanities, etc.) in the search for
solutions to this type of crisis.
Since the outset of the COVID-19 crisis, Spain has established numerous
contacts with agents in the digital technology sector, seeking to achieve a
coordinated response to the problems posed by this unprecedented public
health crisis, developing various initiatives and projects that use AI
technologies and methods. These initiatives include:
1. A conversation assistant (chatbot) in Spanish (Hispabot-Covid19) that

p r o v i d e s t h e u s e r w i t h a c c u r a t e i n f o r m a t i o n c r a w n f r o m o f fi c i a l s o u r c e s . .
2. An AI-based self-diagnosis system, accessible both in mobile format

and in web applications (Symptomatic Covid 19).
3. A mobility study (Datacovid-19) based on mobile phone data collected by

the National Institute of Statistics in collaboration with the main
telecommunications companies, as well as a mobility study based on mobile
phone data, conducted by the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban
Affairs. Both of these studies employ complementary approaches.
4. A web portal to offer an integrated presence and a one-stop shop to

access all the digital resources available in Spain to combat the pandemic.
5. T h e n o t i fi c a t i o n , i n t e g r a t i o n a n d a n a l y s i s o f d a t a t o s u p p o r t r e s o u r c e
m a n a g e m e n t a n d t o f a c i l i t a t e t h e n o t i fi c a t i o n o f r e s i d e n c e s f o r t h e e l d e r l y
throughout Spain.
ABBREVIATIONS
ABBREVIATIONS
• AEI. A g e n c i a E s p a ñ o l a d e I n v e s t i g a c i ó n – S p a n i s h R e s e a r c h A g e n c y
• AEMET. A g e n c i a E s p a ñ o l a d e M e t e o r o l o g í a – S p a n i s h M e t e o r o l o g i c a l
Agency
• AI. A r t i fi c i a l i n t e l l i g e n c e
• B2G. B u s i n e s s t o G o v e r n m e n t
• B2B. B u s i n e s s t o B u s i n e s s
• CDO. C h i e f D a t a O f fi c e r .
• CDTI. C e n t r o p a r a e l D e s a r r o l l o T e c n o l ó g i c o I n d u s t r i a l - C e n t r e f o r
Industrial Technological Development
• CGD. C i t i z e n g e n e r a t e d d a t a
• CODDII. C o n f e r e n c i a d e D i r e c t o r e s y D e c a n o s d e I n g e n i e r í a I n f o r m á t i c a -
Conference of Directors and Deans of Computer Engineering
• DESI. D i g i t a l E c o n o m y a n d S o c i e t y I n d e x
• DIHs. D i g i t a l I n n o v a t i o n H u b s
• DLTs. ( D i g i t a l L e d g e r T e c h n o l o g i e s )
• EDA. E u r o p e a n D e f e n c e A g e n c y
• EDF. E u r o p e a n D e f e n c e F u n d
• ENIA. E s t r a t e g i a N a c i o n a l d e I n t e l i g e n c i a A r t i fi c i a l - N a t i o n a l S t r a t e g y
f o r A r t i fi c i a l I n t e l l i g e n c e
• EuroHPC. E u r o p e a n C o n s o r t i u m f o r H i g h P e r f o r m a n c e C o m p u t i n g
• G2B. G o v e r n m e n t t o B u s i n e s s
• G2C. G o v e r n m e n t t o C i t i z e n
• G2G. G o v e r n m e n t t o G o v e r n m e n t
• HPC. H i g h - p e r f o r m a n c e c o m p u t i n g
• ICO. I n s t i t u t o d e C r é d i t o O fi c i a l – O f fi c i a l C r e d i t I n s t i t u t e
• IDAE. I n s t i t u t o p a r a l a D i v e r s i fi c a c i ó n y A h o r r o d e l a E n e r g í a - I n s t i t u t e
f o r D i v e r s i fi c a t i o n a n d E n e r g y S a v i n g
• INCIBE. I n s t i t u t o N a c i o n a l d e C i b e r s e g u r i d a d - N a t i o n a l I n s t i t u t e o f
Cybersecurity
• JRC. J o i n t R e s e a r c h C e n t r e o f t h e E u r o p e a n C o m m i s s i o n
• LEIA. L e n g u a E s p a ñ o l a e I n t e l i g e n c i a A r t i fi c i a l - S p a n i s h L a n g u a g e a n d
A r t i fi c i a l I n t e l l i g e n c e
• OECD. O r g a n i z a t i o n f o r E c o n o m i c C o o p e r a t i o n a n d D e v e l o p m e n t
• R+D+I. R e s e a r c h , T e c h n o l o g i c a l D e v e l o p m e n t a n d I n n o v a t i o n
• RAE. R e a l A c a d e m i a E s p a ñ o l a - R o y a l S p a n i s h A c a d e m y
• SCIE. S p a n i s h C o m p u t e r S c i e n c e S o c i e t y
• SECTI. S i s t e m a E s p a ñ o l d e C i e n c i a , T e c n o l o g í a e I n n o v a c i ó n - S p a n i s h
Science, Technology and Innovation System
• SEDIA. S e c r e t a r í a d e E s t a d o d e D i g i t a l i z a c i ó n e I n t e l i g e n c i a A r t i fi c i a l -
S e c r e t a r y o f S t a t e f o r D i g i t a l i s a t i o n a n d A r t i fi c i a l I n t e l l i g e n c e
• SICTI. S i s t e m a d e I n f o r m a c i ó n p a r a l a C i e n c i a , T e c n o l o g í a e I n n o v a c i ó n -
Information System for Science, Technology and Innovation
• STEM. S c i e n c e , T e c h n o l o g y , E n g i n e e r i n g a n d M a t h e m a t i c s
• STEAM. S c i e n c e , T e c h n o l o g y , E n g i n e e r i n g , A r t s a n d M a t h e m a t i c s
• ICTs. I n f o r m a t i o n a n d C o m m u n i c a t i o n T e c h n o l o g i e s
• UNICTF. U n i t e d N a t i o n s I n f o r m a t i o n a n d C o m m u n i c a t i o n s T e c h n o l o g y
Facility
Acknowled-
gements
Acknowledgements
Secretary of State for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (SEDIA)
This Strategy has been prepared by the Secretary of State for Digitalization
a n d A r t i fi c i a l Intelligence assigned to the Third Vice Presidency of the
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation, with the
collaboration of the entities listed below.
Interministerial work group
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation; Ministry of

Justice; Ministry of Defence; Treasury; Ministry of the Interior; Ministry of
Transport, Mobility and Urban Affairs; Ministry of Education and Vocational
Training; Ministry of Labour and the Social Economy; Ministry of Industry,
Commerce and Tourism; Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; Ministry
of the Presidency, Relations with Parliament and Democratic Memory;
Ministry of Territorial Policy and Civil Service; Ministry for the Ecological
Transition and the Demographic Challenge; Ministry of Culture and Sports;
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation; Ministry of Health;
Ministry of Social Rights and the 2030 Agenda; Ministry of Science and
Innovation; Ministry of Equality; Ministry of Consumer Affairs; Ministry of
Inclusion, Social Security and Migration; Ministry of Universities.
External bodies consulted
W o r k g r o u p s o f t h e A r t i fi c i a l I n t e l l i g e n c e A d v i s o r y C o u n c i l .

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Version 1.

II. GOALS OF THE STRATEGY 14

III. ACTION PLAN 17

STRATEGY LINE 5. Enhance the use of ai in government

STRATEGY LINE 6. Establish an ethical and regulatory framework that

IV. SUMMARY OF MEASURES 71

ANNEX 1. MATRIX OF THE RELATION BETWEEN AIMS AND STRATEGY LINES 78

ANNEX 2. THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE RESPONSE TO 81

One such technology is that of artificial intelligence (AI),

The Spanish Government is resolved to promote the

With the growing presence of AI throughout the

The central question underlying the development and spread of AI is that of

Pedro Sánchez Castejón

Just as human intelligence is hard to define, no formal, universally-accepted definition has

Although AI first appeared as an academic discipline in 1956, it subsequently underwent

• The enormous growth in the amount of data available

• Advances in the power and capacity of computing and storage systems.

• Successful research and development of new algorithms and machine learning

AREAS IN WHICH AI IS CURRENTLY BEING APPLIED

In short, AI has great transformative potential, from technological, economic,

SECTORS WITH THE GREATEST EXPECTED AI IMPACT IN THE SHORT/MEDIUM TERM

Financial services (insurance) 12,1%

Retail and Distribution 11,4%

Health care 11,4%

Financial services (banking) 10,7%

Energy and utilities 7,4%

CURRENT SITUATION OF AI IN SPAIN

The inclusion and use of the Spanish language in AI should be promoted

Public authorities should inspire and lead these activities, t o e n s u r e t h a t

Digital Innovation Hubs - D i g i t a l I n n o v a t i o n H u b s

Source: European Commission²

WHY HAVE A NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR AI?

To respond appropriately to the impact of accelerated technological change, an

Various challenges must be faced in deploying advances in AI, such as raising

ALIGNMENT WITH EU POLICY

• White Paper on Artificial Intelligence. E m p h a s i s e s t h e n e e d t o s t r e n g t h e n

• European policy document "Artificial Intelligence": P r o p o s e s a d e v e l o p m e n t

Additionally, and to jointly promote AI, the EU Member States signed a

The Strategy also incorporates the work coordinated by the Ministry of

GOALS OF THE STRATEGY

• Scientific excellence and innovation in Artificial Intelligence. P o s i t i o n i n g S p a i n

• Projection of the Spanish language. L e a d i n g t h e w o r l d i n t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f

• Creation of qualified employment. P r o m o t i n g t h e c r e a t i o n o f s k i l l e d j o b s ,

• Transformation of the productive system. I n c o r p o r a t i n g A I a s a f a c t o r t o

• Trust environment in relation to Artificial Intelligence. G e n e r a t i n g a n

• Humanistic values in Artificial Intelligence. D r i v i n g t h e g l o b a l d e b a t e o n

• Inclusive and sustainable Artificial Intelligence. S t r e n g t h e n i n g i n c l u s i v e a n d

Strategy Pillar 1. Promote scientific research, technological development and innovation

To strategically anticipate coming events, in an environment of increasingly

Strategy Pillar 3. Develop data platforms and technological infrastructures in support of

Digitalisation, access to large volumes of data, the development of general

Digitalisation, innovation and the incorporation of AI into value chains is a

Strategy Pillar 5. Enhance the use of AI in government administration and in national

The relationship between AI and government administration is one of mutual

The development and deployment of AI has great potential and raises

In addition to the above, an ecological transition, spanning all sectors, must

Social Challenge 3: Reinforce territorial cohesion.

Greater cohesion, in conjunction with AI, will also contribute to territorial

Social Challenge 4: Narrow the digital divide.

Digital literacy is the ability to locate, organise, understand, evaluate and

STRATEGY LINE 1. PROMOTE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH,

To generate an optimal environment and to establish mechanisms that will

1. Promote high-level public research into AI, i n c r e a s i n g f u n d i n g f o r t h i s