The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the business landscape in Spain. In the last year alone, according to IDC data, 62% of large Spanish companies have integrated this technology into their operations. Additionally, 77% of our country’s business leaders consider AI crucial to maintaining competitiveness, according to the Microsoft Job Trends Index.

Globally, IDC forecasts that investment in AI will reach $232 billion in 2024, with annual growth of 31.1% through 2027. In particular, spending on Generative AI is expected to grow at an annual rate of 86%. .1%, reaching 151,000 million dollars.

Antonio Budia, Director of Partners at Microsoft Spain

Following this data, Microsoft is committed to promoting specialization and growth of the partner ecosystem in Spain. According to IDC, for every dollar the company invoices, its partners generate $8.45 in related products and services. Independent software developers (ISVs) can multiply every dollar billed by Microsoft almost eleven times.

“At Microsoft, we believe that Responsible Artificial Intelligence should be developed with end users in mind, and always safely. For this reason, we have launched the Responsible AI Innovation Center for Microsoft 365 Copilot, for which we have selected 12 partners specialized in these areas during the first phase, and soon, we will also do so for Security,” comments Antonio Budia, director of Partners at Microsoft Spain.

Responsible AI Innovation Center

The increase in profitability in the partner ecosystem, which has exceeded two dollars compared to the previous year, is largely due to the adoption of AI solutions. IDC reports that 81% of partners expect an increase in revenue from Microsoft AI solutions, and 71% expect that selling AI projects will increase their profits. Partners also anticipate 39% growth in Microsoft AI-related revenue during 2024.

To accelerate the adoption of responsible and safe AI in Spanish companies and public organizations, Microsoft launched the Responsible AI Innovation Center (RAIIC) in Spain in February, in collaboration with 16 strategic partners, including Accenture, Avanade, Capgemini, and others. Recently, IBM Consulting has joined this initiative.

The RAIIC offers companies access to the Microsoft platform, with resources and training in responsible AI technologies. The initiative focuses on generative AI, promoting innovation and efficiency in various sectors. Since its creation, several actions have been carried out to promote the responsible use of AI, including the development of a roadmap with priority use cases by industry.

Elite AI Program

In Microsoft’s new fiscal year, which began in July, the Elite AI Program has been launched, designed to accelerate “AI Design” projects. This program includes collaborative workshops to identify high-value use cases in AI, reviewing architecture and return on investment.

Antonio Budia, director of Partners at Microsoft Spain, highlights the importance of developing AI in a safe way and focused on end users. Microsoft has launched the Responsible AI Innovation Center for Microsoft 365 Copilot, selecting 12 specialized partners for this initial phase, with plans to expand to other areas such as security.

Initial partners of the Microsoft 365 Copilot program include Accenture, Avanade, Capgemini, and others, with whom hackathons and prompt creation workshops are being organized. Criteria to participate in the program include having the highest specialization in each category, signing the Partner Pledge, and having solid references from clients and solutions published in the Microsoft Marketplace.