The information and communication technology (ICT) sector continues to gain weight in the Spanish economy. According to the latest TIC Monitor report, prepared by the VASS Foundation and the Center for Economic Predictions (CEPREDE), ICT activities now account for 7.7% of the service sector, surpassing traditional sectors such as vehicle sales and repair. This data confirms that the digital ecosystem has become one of the main drivers of the national economy, but it also marks a turning point: the post-pandemic explosive growth phase gives way to a consolidation phase where productivity and talent will be the true differentiators.

From Recovery to Consolidation: The Numbers of the ICT Sector

The report analyzes the evolution of the sector between 2022 and 2025, combining a general economic perspective with a territorial breakdown. The results show an annual growth of 5% in the turnover of core ICT activities, accompanied by a 2.4% increase in employment and a 2.6% increase in productivity. These figures, although positive, reflect a slowdown compared to the post-COVID-19 boom, when forced digitalization skyrocketed demand for technology services.

Currently, the sector employs 840,100 people, with an annual average of 745,564 Social Security affiliates during 2025. These data position ICT as a fundamental pillar of the Spanish labor market, especially in a context where automation and artificial intelligence are redefining professional profiles. For companies, this implies that investment in technology should not only focus on operational efficiency but also on attracting and retaining specialized talent.

Madrid and Catalonia Lead, but the Periphery Emerges

From a territorial perspective, concentration remains the dominant trend. Madrid and Catalonia account for 63% of employment and 74% of ICT business. However, the report highlights the dynamism of other regions. The Valencian Community has experienced a 13.9% growth in business and 11.3% in productivity since 2022, while Aragon and the Balearic Islands lead the expansion of the technology employment base. This geographical dispersion is good news for the digital economy, as it reduces dependence on major hubs and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.

For companies looking to expand or invest in new locations, this data offers clear clues. For example, if you are considering implementing a CRM to optimize your sales force, regions like the Valencian Community offer a growing business environment and an expanding technology talent base.

Programming and Consulting: The Engine of the Sector

The report emphasizes that programming and IT consulting remain the main engine of activity, concentrating nearly two-thirds of total employment. These areas not only generate employment but also act as catalysts for digital transformation in other sectors. Companies of all sizes turn to these services to modernize their processes, and this is where tools like server virtualization with Proxmox can make a difference, offering open source solutions that reduce costs and increase flexibility.

Antonio Rueda, director of the VASS Foundation, sums it up: “The ICT sector has left behind the phase of extraordinary growth that followed the pandemic and enters a consolidation stage. Future competitiveness will no longer depend solely on the volume of growth or job creation, but on the ability to gain productivity, attract talent, and develop solid technological ecosystems.”

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence and New Technologies

The report also focuses on the role of emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence (AI), which is redefining investment priorities and digital service delivery models. Far from being a threat, AI presents an opportunity for Spanish companies to gain competitiveness. However, its adoption requires a strategic approach that combines technology, processes, and people. As analyzed in the article What Makes a CIO Trust an AI Agent?, trust in these systems depends not only on the model but on transparency and integration with existing workflows.

For IT professionals, this new stage implies that continuous training and specialization will be key. Platforms like an e-learning module allow companies to create their own internal courses, facilitating training in AI, cybersecurity, or software development. Additionally, efficient management of these programs can be supported by solutions like those used in a swimming school, adapted to educational and training environments.

Productivity and Talent: The New Axes of Competitiveness

The study warns that the sector has entered a stage of greater maturity, characterized by more moderate and sustainable growth. In this new context, productivity, innovation, and the ability to attract talent become increasingly important. Companies that manage to combine these elements will lead the digital transformation in the coming years.

For example, process automation through advanced home automation with Home Assistant for offices not only improves energy efficiency but also frees up staff time for higher-value tasks. Similarly, integrating management systems like a well-implemented CRM can increase commercial productivity by up to 30%, according to industry studies.

Original source: ComputerWorld. Analysis and adaptation by ForgeNEX.