The logistics of the future is defined by AI, resilience, and sustainability, according to industry leaders.

Supply chain

The Franco-Spanish Chamber of Commerce and NTT Data brought together executives and experts in Madrid to analyze the transformation of the supply chain. Artificial intelligence, connectivity, and sustainability emerged as the strategic pillars that will define business competitiveness in the coming years.

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The 5th edition of the Logistics Forum, organized by the Cámara de Comercio Franco-Española y NTT Data en Madrid, has defined the sector's roadmap: artificial intelligence, resilience and sustainability are no longer options, but the central axis of business competitiveness.

The meeting, under the title “The future of logistics: the convergence of intelligence and mobility”It had the collaboration of strategic partners such as Renault, Orange Empresas y Dassault Systèmes, in addition to the support of CEPYME, CITET and Asociación Española del Retail (AERThe event has consolidated logistics as a strategic element, surpassing its traditional operational role.

Logistics as a strategic pillar

The opening of the day was carried out by Daniel SuárezCEO Grupo BRALO and associate professor of IE Business Schoolwho emphasized that logistics "has ceased to be an operational function and has become a strategic element for business competitiveness."

This vision was reaffirmed at the closing ceremony by Pedro Mur, Head of Mobility, Transport and Logistics at NTT DATA and Chairman of the Travel, Mobility, Transport and Logistics Committee of the Cámara de Comercio Franco-Española. Mur He emphasized that logistics is now "a critical infrastructure for the functioning of economies and businesses."

Main speakers and topics of the 5th Logistics Forum.

Ponente	Company/Institution	Area of ​​Expertise
Enrique Louzao	Orange Empresas	5G connectivity and robotics
Fernando Manzano	Puertos del Estado	Autonomous port operations
Juan Carlos Moro	Logista	Strategic impact of AI
Miguel Melgarejo	Dassault Systèmes	Technological adaptation and risk
Bruno Mourgeon	Renault Group	Fleet electrification
Julián Mata Benselan	Renfe Mercancías	Rail transport and sustainability

Connectivity and automation: the foundations of the new logistics

The first round table, moderated by Sergio Gomiz, Head of Digital Supply Chain & Innovation for Industry at NTT DATA, addressed how the robotics, 5G and autonomous operations They are redefining operations. Enrique Louzao (Orange Empresas), Fernando Manzano (Puertos del Estado) and José Evelio Jiménez (CT IngenierosThey agreed that advanced connectivity and automation are already a reality in industrial and port environments, and that the future lies in increasingly connected and collaborative ecosystems.

Artificial intelligence: from analyzing the past to predicting the future

Artificial intelligence was the focus of the second debate, with the participation of Juan Carlos Moro (Logista), Juan Sandes (GLS), Miguel Melgarejo (Dassault Systèmes) and Paula Peña (NTT DATA), under the moderation of Ana Gómez GalindoDirector of Travel, Transport & Logistics at NTT DATA.

Juan Carlos Moro He was emphatic in defining AI as "a paradigm shift comparable to the industrial revolution or the arrival of the internet." For his part, Miguel Melgarejo He warned that "the greatest risk for organizations is not technology, but remaining stagnant in the face of it." Both experts emphasized that Adaptability will be the main competitive differentiator.

The speakers also highlighted a paradigm shift: data is no longer just for analyzing the past, but has become an essential tool for anticipate scenarios and optimize decision-makingThey insisted that the adoption of AI must be accompanied by a firm commitment to training and developing new skills within teams.

Sustainability: from obligation to competitive advantage

The last round table, with Bruno Mourgeon (Renault Group), Julián Mata Benselan (Renfe Mercancías) and José Luis Alonso Nistal (Correos Express), focused on sustainability. The participants, moderated by Daniel SuárezThey stated that sustainability generates real transformation only when it is integrated into the core strategy and conceived as a competitive advantage.

• Fleet electrification: Reducing the carbon footprint in the last mile.
• Rail freight transport: A more efficient and less polluting alternative for long distances.
• Route optimization: Use of technology to minimize kilometers and CO2 emissions.

The era of collaborative ecosystems

In his closing speech, Pedro Mur He summarized the forum's main conclusion: the supply chains of the future must be as efficient as they are resilient to operate in an environment of increasing uncertainty. Competitive advantage, the experts concluded, will no longer be built "company against company, but ecosystem against ecosystem"where cooperation between all actors will be key to innovation and competitiveness."

Key points and frequently asked questions about logistics transformation

How does this logistical transformation affect a Spanish exporting SME?

For SMEs, this transformation means adopting scalable technologies to optimize routes, manage inventory, and improve supply chain visibility. Collaboration with logistics operators already investing in AI and sustainability will be crucial to remaining competitive without requiring large upfront investments.

What is the biggest risk for companies that do not adopt AI in their logistics?

The main risk is the loss of competitiveness. As he pointed out Miguel Melgarejo de Dassault SystèmesInaction is more dangerous than technology. Companies that fail to use AI to predict demand, optimize operations, and anticipate disruptions will fall behind more agile and efficient competitors.

What does it mean that the competition will be "ecosystem against ecosystem"?

This means that success will no longer depend solely on a company's internal efficiency, but also on its ability to integrate and collaborate with suppliers, logistics operators, customers, and even competitors in connected networks. The key will be to securely share data and resources to strengthen the resilience and efficiency of the entire value chain.