GMV explores the future of defence, digital health, and strategic technologies at AMETIC’s Digital Economy and Telecommunications Conference

From August 31 to September 2, GMV attended the 40th anniversary edition of the Digital Economy and Telecommunications Conference, organized by AMETIC in collaboration with Banco Santander España and Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo (UIMP) in Santander.

Under the theme “40 Years Driving Spain’s Social and Economic Growth,” the conference brought together institutional representatives, companies, and tech leaders to examine the key challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation. The program addressed key issues including competitiveness and technological leadership, the impact of artificial intelligence as a driver of Spain’s transformation, and the development of strategic technologies to strengthen Europe’s autonomy and digital future.

GMV reaffirmed its commitment to technological innovation and collaboration between industry players, public authorities, and the digital ecosystem through its participation in several sessions throughout the conference.

The panel “Ecosystem: Innovating to Protect. The Industry Driving Strategic Autonomy” addressed the need to bolster Spain’s defence capabilities and strategic autonomy in response to the current geopolitical landscape. Moderated by Luis Fernando Álvarez-Gascón, General Manager of GMV’s Secure e-Solutions and Chair of AMETIC’s Dual-Use Technologies for Defence Commission, the discussion highlighted the need for a strong domestic technological and industrial base, driven by innovation and supported by trusted partners. It also stressed the importance of increasing investment and fostering the growth of companies in the sector. Participants agreed that a robust industrial ecosystem should be built on collaboration and trust, with a greater role for SMEs, swifter public procurement, a clear international outlook, and an effective talent management strategy.

Carlos Royo, GMV’s Health Strategy Manager and Vice Chair of AMETIC’s Digital Health Commission, moderated the panel “Digitalization in Healthcare,” which explored how technology is transforming the healthcare system and the challenges that remain. The discussion highlighted Spain’s strong starting position and the expectation that healthcare will become increasingly preventive, predictive, and personalized. Achieving this, however, will require open ecosystems that foster collaboration between hospitals, public authorities, tech companies, and the pharmaceutical industry.

GMV’s participation in the program also included a contribution from Héctor Naranjo, GMV’s Multidomain Defence and Security Programs Manager, in the session “Business Perspective: Driving and Accelerating Industrial Capabilities,” which focused on the industry’s role in developing strategic capabilities at a heightened pace. Naranjo emphasized the importance of harnessing all available technology to meet the needs of the Armed Forces, as well as delivering complete, fully functional systems that support progress toward greater strategic autonomy. In light of challenges such as the changing geopolitical landscape and the risk of obsolescence, he also highlighted two key priorities for the defence and security sector: increasing multidomain cooperation and making decision-making cycles shorter and more agile.

To cap off the event, AMETIC presented GMV with the Industrial Quantum Leadership Award, recognizing the company’s contribution to the development and consolidation of Spain’s quantum ecosystem.

The award was accepted by Luis Fernando Álvarez-Gascón, who thanked AMETIC for the recognition and dedicated the award to GMV’s professionals: “The credit goes to our team, who have worked with excellence and determination for many years. We are proud to have made this journey alongside our scientific, technology, and industry partners, who have all contributed to this success. We must also recognize the public authorities that have supported us along the way. Together, we are driving technological and industrial development, the foundations of technological sovereignty.”