Are data the new oil or something even more valuable? How can data spaces improve citizens\u2019 lives? Where is technological sovereignty in Europe headed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These are some of the questions answered by Ana Palacios, General Director of Data at the Ministry of Digital Transformation, in our latest episode of HoM: Humano o M\u00e1quina. The Huelva born representative, who has an outstanding career in public administration and digital economy management, sits down with Juan Marcelo Gait\u00e1n to talk about the real impact of data, the role of SMEs and the need to always keep people at the center of technological progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For years we\u2019ve heard that \u201cdata is the new oil,\u201d but for Ana Palacios, this metaphor no longer does it justice: \u201cOil loses value when it\u2019s used because it\u2019s scarce; data, when shared and reused, generates exponential value\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a global context dominated by tech giants, the general director points out that the true strength of Spain and Europe lies in adding value to their unique and industrial data, rather than competing to see who has the most powerful AI model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through initiatives like data spaces (in sectors such as healthcare, mobility, or agri-food), secure environments are being created where companies and public administrations can exchange information under common rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, she adds that this infrastructure isn\u2019t just for large corporations. Data spaces allow SMEs to access market analysis and trends that were previously out of reach, democratizing this technology and optimizing these companies' processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite being a firm advocate of digitalization and data-driven decision-making, Ana Palacios doesn\u2019t believe that machines will take control away from humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faced with Juan Marcelo's classic question about who will win the battle between human or machine, the answer is clear: \"<\/em>Humans will always win.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the general director, technological tools and AI models are capable of automating processes at high speed, but they lack critical thinking and context. The success of this new model is based on the concept of Human in the loop<\/em> and two essential pillars:<\/p>\n\n\n\n