The human factor as the core of competitiveness in the age of AI
La Cámara de Comercio, Industria y Servicios de Madrid has participated in the IV Madrid Leaders ForumA key meeting to analyze the impact of artificial intelligence on business. The event, held in Madrid Under the motto "Leading in the age of AI", it has brought together institutional and business leaders to discuss the need to adapt leadership models to the new technological and business paradigm.
The institutional opening brought together top-level figures such as Miguel Garrido, President of CEIM Confederación Empresarial de Madrid-CEOE; Antonio Garamendi, President of CEOE, and Miguel Ángel García Martín, advisor for the Presidency, Justice and Local Administration of the Comunidad de MadridDuring the day, crucial topics for the business sector were analyzed, from ethics in AI to energy sustainability and digitalization.
The forum featured a panel of high-profile executives, including Paco Salcedo, President of Microsoft España; Meinrad SpengerCEO MasOrange; Marco Sansavini, president and CEO of Iberia; Alfonso García Muriel, president for España y Portugal de DXC Technology, and Anna Golsa, Global CEO of Eurofirms Group, among others.
"The final decision remains human": Ángel Asensio
At the institutional closing ceremony, Ángel Asensio, President of the Cámara de Madrid, shared the stage with Rocío Albert, Minister of Economy, Finance and Employment of the Comunidad de Madrid, and José Luis Martínez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid. Asensio He emphasized the need for a symbiosis between technological innovation and strong business leadership to navigate the changes driven by AI.
"Artificial intelligence can analyze, predict, and recommend. But the final decision remains human."He declared Asensio. "And that is precisely where the role of leadership comes in: to provide insight where there is information overloadTo provide vision where there is uncertainty; and to provide confidence where change may generate doubt.".
Support for the digitization and internationalization of the business sector
The president of the Cámara de Madrid He recalled the institution's role as a catalyst for business growth. During 2025, the organization supported more than 54.800 companies in strategic areas such as training, consulting, digitalization, and internationalization. In this regard, he highlighted the Portal TIC Negocios and Oficina Acelera Pyme as key tools to facilitate technological adoption, especially among SMEs and the self-employed.
Activity of the Madrid Chamber in 2025
Concept
Fact / Initiative
Supported Companies
More than
Strategic Support Areas
Training, advice, digitization, internationalization and programs for entrepreneurs.
Digitization Initiatives
Portal TIC Negocios y Oficina Acelera Pyme
Key points and frequently asked questions about Leadership and AI for businesses
How does AI affect leadership in a Spanish exporting company?
For an exporting company, AI can optimize logistics, analyze new markets with unprecedented accuracy, and personalize international marketing campaigns. However, human leadership remains irreplaceable for strategic decision-making, negotiating complex trade agreements, and managing intercultural relationships with partners and customers.
What practical steps can an SME take to integrate AI into its strategy?
A small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) should begin by identifying specific operational "pain points" that AI can solve, such as inventory management or customer service. Leveraging programs like AI is crucial. Oficina Acelera Pyme to receive advice, train teams in new digital skills, and start with measurable pilot projects before making large investments.
What is the main risk of ignoring the human factor when implementing AI?
The main risk is losing strategic vision and business acumen. Over-reliance on algorithms without leadership oversight can lead to ethically questionable decisions, demotivation of human talent, and an inability to adapt to unforeseen market changes that only intuition and experience can resolve.
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