Currently, only 35% of Spanish companies are capable of carrying out artificial intelligence (AI) projects. However, it is expected that by 2027, 89% of these organizations will have reached an adequate level of preparation to successfully implement both AI strategies and projects. This is one of the most notable findings of the Riverbed Global AI & Digital Experience Survey, which points to a crucial point at which organizations are accelerating their adoption of AI.
At the moment, 55% of Spanish executives consider the main reason for using AI to be to improve operational efficiency, rather than to foster growth (45%). By 2027, this trend will change, with 53% of Spanish companies prioritising growth thanks to AI, compared to 47% who will still see efficiency as their main objective. Confidence in AI is also on the rise: 66% of leaders in Spain would prefer to automate a major IT upgrade using AI, while only 34% would feel comfortable in a self-driving car in the city.
This global study, which included the participation of 1,200 IT decision-makers from public and private sectors in seven countries (Australia, France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States and Saudi Arabia) and from seven different sectors, offers an overview of how organizations are approaching the implementation of AI.
Spanish companies and AI
Growing optimism regarding AI is evident among young managers and employees in Spain. According to the survey, enthusiasm for AI is notable in most organizations. Some key points include:
- 75% of Spanish executives consider AI to be a strategic priority for their company, 11 points above the global average. Another 25% rate it as moderately important, although this figure is below the average.
- 93% are convinced that AI will improve the digital experience for end users.
- 53% of leaders perceive a positive attitude towards AI within their organizations, while 36% are neutral and only 11% are skeptical.
- When it comes to familiarity with AI, Spanish leaders believe that Generation Z is the most comfortable with this technology (62%), followed by Millennials (29%). In the United States, Millennials are seen as the most knowledgeable about AI (47%), surpassing Generation Z (40%).
Only 35% of Spanish companies are prepared to implement AI projects
The report also reveals that most companies in Spain have overcome the initial phases of evaluation and experimentation with AI, and 70% are accelerating their strategies with greater investments in infrastructure and talent, exceeding the global average by five points. In addition, 21% are in the final stage of transformation, where AI is already integrated into business processes.
Spanish leaders plan to begin using Generative AI in their IT operations in the next 12 to 18 months. Currently, only 27% of companies have implemented Generative AI use cases or completed prototypes, which is seven points lower than the global average. However, this figure is expected to almost double to 64% in that timeframe.
Key strategies to promote successful AI adoption include building AI-focused teams at 62% of companies, and creating observability and user experience teams at 41%.
In terms of data management, 82% of Spanish leaders say that using real data is essential to improve the digital experience, and 83% consider that comprehensive observability of all IT elements is essential for an AIOps strategy. At least 76% highlight the importance of observability in overcoming network blind spots, such as the public cloud, remote work environments and Zero Trust architectures.
