Telefónica Chief Advocates for Regulatory Reform and AI Integration to Bolster European Tech Standing

During the 29th Congress of the Family Business Institute, Emilio Gayo, the Chief Operating Officer of Telefónica, emphasized the necessity for Europe to modernize its legislative landscape. Speaking alongside the institute's CEO, José Luis Blanco, Gayo highlighted that current regulations must adapt swiftly to contemporary economic and technological shifts. He urged European authorities to adopt a long-term perspective similar to that of family-run enterprises, arguing that such a vision is vital for fostering investment and enabling European firms to reach a global scale.

A central theme of Gayo’s address was the concept of technological sovereignty. He clarified that this objective is not about isolationism or complete self-sufficiency in every process. Instead, it represents the continent's capacity to maintain oversight and control over essential data, infrastructure, and strategic digital assets while remaining part of a globally connected ecosystem. To achieve this, he proposed a strategy resting on three pillars: a regulatory environment that incentivizes growth, the facilitation of business scaling through policy, and the dedication to long-term strategic planning.

Turning his attention to emerging technologies, the Telefónica executive discussed the significant impact of artificial intelligence on the modern business landscape. While acknowledging that AI is already driving improvements in operational efficiency and cost management, Gayo argued that its most profound potential lies in revolutionizing the consumer experience. According to the COO, AI allows for unprecedented levels of service personalization and a drastic reduction in operational mistakes, ultimately fostering better relationships with clients.

However, Gayo stressed that the successful integration of AI depends heavily on the workforce. He noted that the individuals who best understand a company’s internal workflows are the ones who must implement these tools. Consequently, he advocated for robust training programs to ensure employees are equipped to leverage AI's capabilities effectively. By combining proper training with a supportive regulatory framework, Gayo believes Europe can strengthen its strategic autonomy and innovation capacity.

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Read original at Telefónica Newsroom.