In a recent meeting held with the media, AMETIC has revealed the challenges and opportunities that arise ahead of the arrival of 2026, a particularly relevant year for the association, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary since its creation. Since then, numerous events, conferences and debates have been organized around the industry, such as the Annual Meeting of the Digital Economy and Telecommunications, which takes place every year in Santander; the Digital Talent Forum; as well as various Sectoral Conferences and presentations.
Francisco Hortigüela, general director of the association, has highlighted the strategic importance of the digital sector in Spain and Europe, emphasizing the need to create a collaborative ecosystem that includes large companies, SMEs, universities and technology centers to promote the digitalization of the economy and society. “This diverse ecosystem allows AMETIC to represent both supply and demand companies, consolidating itself as the voice of the digital industry in Spain.”
The objective of the association is to promote digitalization. AMETIC actively participates in organizations such as CEOE, CEPYME, Digital Europe and the Latin American Association of Technology Entities (ACUTELAN), energizing the sector at a national and international level. Hortigüela has also pointed out the creation of a new commission on dual technologies for defense, a strategic area at this time for Europe. “It must serve Spain to strengthen itself at the level of digitalization, technology and industry.” According to the general director, technology and digitalization play a key role in the field of defense. In total, the association already works with 21 different commissions.
Innovation and industry will continue to be AMETIC’s strategic axes for 2026, along with simplification to accelerate digital development
For his part, Celestino García, appointed last November as general director of AMETIC, arrives to reinforce the association’s commitment with his leadership, experience, strategic vision and deep knowledge of the technology sector. “My goal is to make AMETIC a stronger, larger association, and enhance all the areas in which we work.” The new general director has highlighted the high level of digitalization in Spain, with high quality networks, talent and culture. “I believe that these values will allow us to become a great digital hub, not only in Europe, but also globally.”
Innovation, industry and simplification
Throughout this year, AMETIC has worked on initiatives related to talent and innovation, considering them key axes for the development and growth of the digital industry. According to its president, this industry generates employment of 770,000 workers, with an impact that extends to all companies that incorporate digitalization into their processes. Likewise, the association highlights the need for Europe to be more flexible and less bureaucratic to promote innovation and avoid a digital divide between large companies and SMEs. The proposed “Digital Omnibus” Regulation and the creation of an independent entity for SMEs and startups (“Regime 28”, Startup Law) are considered solutions to simplify and accelerate digital development.
The president of AMETIC concluded his speech by pointing out that “innovation and industry will continue to be the strategic axes of AMETIC for 2026”, to which is added the need to simplify processes and access to funds so that companies can undertake their digitalization initiatives.
