The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the transformation of talent and funding challenges mark a turning point for Europe’s technological competitiveness. This was made clear on the first day of the CTx Tech Experience event in Seville, where business leaders and investors agreed on the need to strengthen Europe’s ability to scale innovation.
One of the main points of consensus is that the continent continues to face structural obstacles, such as market fragmentation, regulatory complexity, and a lack of capital to boost the growth of startups. In response to this, different voices in the ecosystem have advocated greater coordination between public and private actors.
Artificial intelligence has established itself as the backbone of this transformation. David Carmona, vice president of Microsoft Discovery and Quantum, warned that “there is going to be a radical transformation that will provide many opportunities for new companies that want to enter this field”, stressing that Spain “can be very well positioned”.
In the same vein, the president of Microsoft Spain, Paco Salcedo, said that “Spain is in a privileged position, in the ‘pole position’ (best position) from the beginning,” noting that it is already the sixth country in the world in the use of artificial intelligence, with 40 percent of the population using it.
New talent profiles
The debate also focused on the evolution of talent. Experts point to a growing demand for hybrid profiles, capable of combining technological knowledge, business vision and critical thinking, in a context marked by accelerated changes in the labour market.
Despite the dynamism of the ecosystem, entrepreneurs agree that the challenge is no longer to generate ideas but to turn them into scalable projects. To this end, they consider it essential to improve access to financing and to provide companies with tools that will enable them to grow in an increasingly competitive global environment.
In this scenario, innovation is emerging not only as an economic driver but also as a strategic condition for Europe to strengthen its position in the digital economy against powers such as the United States and China.
CTx Tech Experience, promoted by beon Worldwide and VESS Venture Studio, has brought together thousands of professionals from the technology sector this week, with the participation of more than 300 startups, 250 speakers and attendees from more than a dozen countries.
The event combines an extensive programme of content with innovative formats such as live podcasts, discussion spaces and exhibition areas, supported by technological tools that facilitate the connection between companies, investors and institutions.