Adoption of artificial intelligence in Spanish firms: an initial analysis based on the Banco de España Business Activity Survey

Alejandro Fernández Cerezo, Ignacio Hidalgo and Mario Izquierdo
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Alejandro Fernández Cerezo: Banco de España
Ignacio Hidalgo: Banco de España
Mario Izquierdo: Banco de España

Economic Bulletin, 2025, issue 2025/Q2, No 06

Abstract: Rationale Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise economies and labour markets. Using the Banco de España Business Activity Survey (EBAE), this article analyses the adoption of AI by Spanish firms. Takeaways •Almost 20% of the Spanish firms surveyed are using AI systems. This is less than their German counterparts, but higher than the adoption rate in Italy, according to similar surveys conducted in those countries. However, most firms are still just experimenting with AI. •The AI adoption rate is higher in technology services and in large, productive and young firms. The main obstacles are the lack of skilled labour, high implementation costs and data availability. •Spanish firms use AI mainly to optimise internal processes and for marketing. It is used less for task automation and innovation. 80% of firms believe that AI will not affect employment, and those that are already using it expect it to have a positive impact.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence; adoption of technology; productivity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: E22 H32 L25 O33 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bde:journl:y:2025:i:02:n:06

DOI: 10.53479/39725

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