Artificial intelligence is no longer a promise of the future: it is reshaping the economy, employment, and the very fabric of society. Aware of this, the Spanish Government has decided to go beyond mere regulation and promote a broad national agreement that lays the foundations for how we want this technology to impact our lives. This was announced by Carlos Cuerpo, First Vice President and Minister of Economy, Trade, and Business, during the closing of the annual meeting of Ametic, the technology employers' association, held in Santander.

A tripartite agreement to govern AI

The Executive's proposal is ambitious: in the coming weeks, the President of the Government will promote the signing of a tripartite agreement with social partners (unions and employers) that turns social dialogue into a central pillar of technological development. According to Cuerpo, the goal is for the country to maintain trust and place people's safety at the center of the process, especially at a time when AI generates both expectations and fears.

This announcement does not arise in a vacuum. It responds to a growing concern across all sectors about how automation and algorithms can disrupt the labor market, privacy, and social equity. The initiative seeks precisely to anticipate these challenges by creating a shared governance framework that involves all relevant actors.

Who will participate in the dialogue?

The meetings, which Cuerpo described as a "starting point," will include representatives from unions, employers, but also civil society, academic experts, and leaders from diverse fields such as business, science, healthcare, education, and industry. This breadth of voices reflects the cross-cutting nature of AI, which is no longer just a technological issue but a reality affecting health, education, energy, public services, and, of course, business competitiveness.

For companies, this dialogue can translate into clearer regulatory frameworks and policies that foster responsible innovation. As we already noted in our analysis on the difference between adopting AI and being fluent in its use, the key is not just implementing technology but creating an organizational culture that integrates it ethically and efficiently.

Opportunities and challenges: two possible scenarios

During his speech, Cuerpo clearly described the two futures that lie before us. On one hand, a positive scenario where AI improves health, education, business productivity, and quality of life. On the other, a negative one marked by increased inequality, job loss, and erosion of trust in institutions.

The interesting part of his analysis is that the difference between both scenarios does not lie in the technology itself but in three key factors: who will control AI, who will capture the economic benefits it generates, and how much time societies will have to adapt to change. This view aligns with that of Bill Gates, who in a recent publication also urged preparing conditions so that the fruits of AI are distributed fairly.

For companies, this reflection is especially pertinent. The implementation of AI solutions, such as those we address in our technical guide on generative AI, cannot be done with its back turned to the social context. Organizations that lead this transition will be those that understand that technology must serve people and not the other way around.

Impact on employment and training

One of the most delicate points of the debate is the impact of AI on employment. Cuerpo acknowledged that disruptive technology poses significant challenges but also enormous opportunities. The key will be the ability to retrain and train workers for the new profiles that the market will demand. In this sense, the social pact proposed by the Government could include concrete measures for continuous training and support for reemployment.

At ForgeNEX, we have long insisted that process automation, for example with tools like n8n, not only eliminates repetitive tasks but also frees employees to focus on higher-value work. Our guide on automation with n8n and AI shows practical cases of how companies can benefit from this technology without leaving anyone behind.

The role of regulation and infrastructure

Another axis that Cuerpo mentioned was the need to regulate technology without stifling innovation. The balance is delicate but essential. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of developing robust digital infrastructures and ensuring the necessary investment and financing so that Spain does not fall behind in the global race for AI.

This point connects directly with the country's competitiveness. In a recent article, we analyzed the four keys that will define Spain's digital leap, and AI governance is undoubtedly one of them. Without a clear and consensual framework, Spanish companies could find themselves at a disadvantage compared to competitors from other countries with laxer regulations or, on the contrary, more favorable to innovation.

Cybersecurity as a pillar of the social contract

We cannot talk about trust in AI without mentioning cybersecurity. An AI system that is not secure or that does not respect citizens' privacy will hardly be accepted. Therefore, the social pact should also include commitments regarding data protection and cybersecurity. Companies working with AI must ensure that their systems are robust against attacks, as we recommend in our guide on ethical hacking and penetration testing.

A starting point for the future

Carlos Cuerpo insisted that these meetings are only the beginning of a process that should culminate in the signing of a great national pact. A pact that, in his opinion, must place people at the center and guarantee that the benefits of AI reach all of society.

For companies, this is a key moment to participate in the debate and contribute their vision. Digital transformation is not just a matter of technology but of people. As we demonstrated in the success story of a logistics company, successful digitalization requires a comprehensive approach that combines tools, training, and organizational culture.

In short, the Government's announcement opens a window of opportunity for Spain to lead an ethical and sustainable AI model. A model that, if executed well, could serve as an example to other countries. The ball is now in the court of social partners and companies, who must demonstrate their willingness to collaborate in building this new social contract.

Original source: ComputerWorld. Analysis and adaptation by ForgeNEX.