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

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.