AI at BNEW 2023: Catalyzing Economic Innovation in Spain
BNEW 2023 in Barcelona spotlights AI's transformative role in driving economic innovation.
- • BNEW 2023 anticipates over 12,000 attendees and features 320 speakers and 120 startups.
- • Josep Rull emphasizes the need for responsible AI governance.
- • Murcia's collaboration focuses on data intelligence for economic insight and policy.
- • Recent improvements in the Murcia economy highlight the importance of data-driven decision-making.
Key details
The sixth edition of the Barcelona New Economy Week (BNEW) 2023 is set to commence on October 2 at the DFactory in the Zona Franca of Barcelona, with expectations to welcome over 12,000 attendees. This year's event, organized by the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona, seeks to position Barcelona as a leading hub for innovation in the new economy, emphasizing artificial intelligence (AI) as a pivotal factor in economic transformation.
Josep Rull, President of the Catalan Parliament, opened the event by highlighting AI's dual potential—both as a tool for innovation and a risk for societal challenges if mismanaged. He urged for a coordinated European governance model to maximize AI's benefits while safeguarding democracy. Miquel Sàmper, Minister of Business, echoed this sentiment by stressing that the Catalan economy's future hinges on digitalization, cybersecurity, and internationalization strategies.
Blanca Sorigué, General Director of the Consorci, noted that BNEW was initiated during the pandemic to stimulate economic recovery and is now a cornerstone for discussions on the future economic landscape. The event will feature 320 speakers and 120 startups, covering seven crucial verticals: aviation, digital industry, mobility, sustainability, talent, health, and experience, all focusing on the integration of AI to drive development. A significant addition to this year’s program is the deployment of BBot, an AI-driven virtual assistant designed to enhance networking among participants, further illustrating the event's embrace of innovative technologies.
In parallel, the Comunidad and the Chamber of Commerce of Murcia have formed a collaboration aimed at strengthening economic understanding through data intelligence. Luis Alberto Marín, the Regional Minister of Economy, announced the launch of a Regional Accounting system that will aid in strategic planning and policy formulation. Recent achievements, including a 23.97% reduction in deficit and an 18.3% growth in tax revenue in the region, underline the importance of this initiative. This collaborative effort intends to improve statistical data usage, enhance oversight of economic activities, and drive innovative projects based on comprehensive data analysis.
As BNEW approaches, the discussions surrounding AI’s transformative role and the strategic data collaborations signify a forward-looking approach to economic resilience and innovation, critical for Spain's competitive future.
With approximately 70% of attendees expected to participate in person, BNEW 2023 showcases not only the economic ambitions of Barcelona but also a united front by regional communities to harness data for smarter economic policies and growth.