La industria digital marca un récord en España impulsada por la IA

Spain's digital industry has set a record in 2025, driven by the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI). The country's digital economy generated 146.660 million euros, marking a 6.4% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Digital Economy Barometer 2025 presented by the industry association Ametic. This growth confirms the ongoing expansion cycle that began in 2021 and places the sector above global economic growth rates.

It is now one of the main drivers of competitiveness, productivity, and innovation for the third consecutive year. The sector's success is attributed to the maturation of AI, particularly generative AI, which has transitioned from an emerging technology to a cross-functional enabler for businesses, administrations, and citizens.

AI's integration into production processes, digital services, content platforms, and automation solutions has fueled the demand for IT services and accelerated digital transformation across various sectors. Generative AI is now a key element in the data economy, enabling new analysis, prediction, and personalization methods. Alongside AI, cybersecurity, intelligent automation, and quantum computing developments have shaped a rapidly evolving technological ecosystem.

Cloud infrastructure remains essential for digital services, while cybersecurity is a strategic pillar for businesses and administrations, especially in a complex geopolitical landscape emphasizing dual-use defense and security technologies. In Spain, public investment funds and European funds have been crucial in driving technological projects, particularly in public sector digitalization, digital health, education, and electronic administration.

The four segments of the digital industry (information technology, communications, telecommunications, and electronics, and digital content) have all contributed to growth. The technology sector showed the highest growth at 9.3%, reaching 79.486 million euros, accounting for 54.2% of total revenue. This trend has continued from previous years, confirming that IT services and software remain the main drivers of Spain's digital ecosystem.

The demand for AI, automation, cloud, and cybersecurity solutions has been decisive, with companies accelerating the adoption of digital platforms, advanced analytics tools, and managed services, driving sustained growth. Communications accounted for 20.7% of the growth, generating 30.306 million euros (+3%). The retail sector grew by 1.6% (19.333 million euros), with varying performance in its key components - negative in fixed and mobile communications, and positive in the sale and rental of devices and accessories.

Wholesale services grew by 5.6% (10.972 million euros). The telecommunications and electronics sector recovered growth (+1%), reaching 16.019 million euros, driven by an increase in both professional and private consumption, as well as interest in strategic electronics and semiconductor projects. Digital content contributed 20.850 million euros (+5.2%), with online advertising, streaming platforms, video games, and digital audiovisual production being the main growth drivers.

The most significant areas are online advertising, broadcasting, and image (film, video, TV). Online retail returned to double-digit growth, increasing by 20.6% to 114.812 million euros, up from 13.1% in 2024. The number of industry companies remained stable at 36.851 in 2025 (+0.4%), while employment increased by 2.4%, reaching 842,596 positions.

Spain's ICT exports grew for the fifth consecutive year to 28.552 million euros, a 10.5% increase. Imports rose by 8.6% to 35.864 million euros, reflecting high dependence on foreign technological equipment and services.