From Theory to Application: Al Andalus Innovation Venture 2025
The second day of Al Andalus Innovation Venture turned Seville into the epicenter of applied artificial intelligence. After a first day focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, the event shifted to what truly matters: showcasing AI that actually works in hospitals, farms, and factories. The organizers were clear that the industry must move beyond rhetoric and focus on demonstrating AI business use cases ROI through concrete data. This technology is already being deployed across Southern Europe, moving far beyond theoretical PowerPoint slides.
The reality of this technological shift was measured through solutions already transforming entire industries. These advancements reflect a broader movement toward an AI digital transformation strategy that is taking hold in both the public and private sectors. By focusing on practical application rather than hype, the event highlighted how technology solves pressing social and economic challenges. From healthcare to logistics, the shift toward actionable intelligence is now undeniable.
Measuring Success: Prioritizing AI Business Use Cases ROI
The day began with Diego Vargas, co-founder of the event, and Carmen León Bertrand, Deputy Director of Digital Society at the Andalusian Digital Agency. León Bertrand emphasized the institutional commitment to the region’s technological evolution, noting that €839 million has been invested in digitalization over three years. Much like how strategic AI integration in manufacturing is driving efficiency today, Andalusia is deploying the 2030 AI Strategy to modernize its infrastructure. This hands-on approach ensures that public-sector innovation remains grounded in measurable results.
She also announced the opening of the Andalusian Center for Artificial Intelligence in Granada and the creation of 11 technological nodes. The Andalusian administration is not just regulating—it’s implementing AI in healthcare, tourism, and agriculture. These projects range from breast cancer screening to predictive reservoir management, all designed to maximize AI business use cases ROI. This model serves as a catalyst for growth, ensuring that the integration of technology serves the common good while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
The opening ceremony concluded with the symbolic ringing of a bell brought from the Madrid Stock Exchange. This marked the start of a day that united technology, investment, and public purpose. It served as a reminder that for innovation to succeed, it must be backed by both financial capital and a clear vision. The integration of these elements is what sets the Andalusian model apart from other European tech hubs, creating a sustainable ecosystem for the future.
State Investment and the AI Digital Transformation Strategy
José Marino García, from the Spanish Society for Technological Transformation (SETT), provided an overview of the national effort around critical technologies. He explained that SETT acts as an operational arm of the state to foster technological sovereignty. This initiative ensures that Europe remains competitive by scaling digital transformation with AI through public-private consortia. By connecting research and production, the state builds a foundation for excellence in quantum computing and cybersecurity.
Marino structured his presentation around three key instruments: PERTE Chip, the Next Tech Fund, and the Spain Audiovisual Hub. The Next Tech Fund acts as a public-private co-investment vehicle specifically for deep digital technologies. These initiatives do more than fund innovation; they retain intellectual property and high-value employment within the country. This strategic focus is critical as the continent seeks to reduce its dependence on external infrastructures and overseas competitors.
The focus on sovereignty is a cornerstone of the broader European AI digital transformation strategy. Without domestic computing capacity or chip production, the benefits of the AI revolution could be lost. The Al Andalus Innovation Venture highlighted how coordinated state investment can mitigate these risks while fostering a vibrant local ecosystem. This ensures that the generated value stays within the region, supporting long-term economic resilience.
Overcoming Failure: Why Do AI Projects Fail?
One of the most anticipated panels tackled the gap between AI promises and its real-world implementation. It featured representatives from Zinkee, General Dynamics, and Isotrol, who discussed the challenges of profitability. The consensus was clear: when asking why do AI projects fail, the answer is often a lack of clear business objectives. According to an MIT study cited during the panel, 95% of AI projects fail to deliver measurable returns when they lack a defined use case.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, AI already offers tangible advantages in inventory management and demand forecasting. Success often depends on how companies engage with their audience and manage data effectively. For instance, implementing niche holiday marketing strategies can be a gateway to more complex data-driven implementations. The speakers agreed that the key is to start small, automate a single process, and then scale based on performance.
Ultimately, achieving a high AI business use cases ROI requires rooting technology in specific operational problems. Whether it is optimizing a workflow or validating results through predictive analytics, the focus must remain on the bottom line. For the participants at Al Andalus Innovation Venture, the era of “AI for the sake of AI” is over. It has been replaced by a pragmatic approach that prioritizes long-term sustainability and real-world impact.
Ethics and AI for CRM Optimization
The debate also addressed the risks of uncontrolled AI and the necessity of human oversight. Experts agreed that all critical decisions must maintain a human-in-the-loop approach, especially until European legislation stabilizes. The message from the panel was clear: without ethics, there is no trust; and without trust, there is no widespread adoption. This ethical framework is essential for businesses looking to implement AI for CRM optimization without compromising customer relationships.
Professor Óscar Cordón of the University of Granada presented a highlight of the event: digital consumer twins. These simulation models reproduce purchasing behavior using behavioral economics and social machine learning. This approach allows for strategy testing without intervening in real markets, which is vital for a new era of CRM as a strategic driver in complex industries. These tools allow companies to predict responses to marketing campaigns with unprecedented accuracy.
Finally, the event reminded the audience that Europe needs supercomputing to sustain its competitiveness. Without domestic computing capacity, the continent will remain dependent on external providers for its AI digital transformation strategy. Al Andalus Innovation Venture 2025 concluded with a vision of a mature technological culture. It is a culture that is realistic, connected to production networks, and oriented toward transforming society for the better through proven AI business use cases ROI.