Challenges and opportunities of a smart industry

Bernardo Villazán Gil, co-director of the Chair for Smart Industry and director of the Initiative on the Next Generation Industry at the School of Engineering (Comillas ICAI), was in charge of moderating the round table and introducing the speakers, among whom were the director of Strategy and Digital Transformation at Renfe Engineering and Maintenance, María Muñoz; the CEO of McFly Technologies, Enrique López; the head of Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 for Iberia at Kearney, Isabel Morillo, and the Export Manager at Pladur, David Linares.

"The innovation, decarbonisation and reduction of Europe's dependence on other countries are the three pillars on which the future of European industry is to be built," said Villazán. "Strengthening the industry improves the country's competitiveness and that is why a specific law is needed, such as the new Industry and Strategic Autonomy Law that was recently presented. However, like any other law, it may be lacking," he said.

The analysis of the new law took up a large part of the conversation. Enrique López began his speech with a brief review of his career. "SMEs have faced a series of misfortunes that began with Covid-19 and have reached its peak with inflation," he lamented. "Fortunately, we have a portfolio of clients from many sectors".

The Director of Strategy and Digital Transformation at Renfe Engineering and Maintenance, for her part, pointed out that "we have to make the industry much more interesting and attract talent because it is one of the pillars of our societies and is fundamental to maintaining the welfare state. This is a task that we all have to do together". Pladur's Export Manager addressed the decarbonisation that his company is carrying out: "To reach the scenarios proposed by the European Union we have a long way to go, but it is a crucial challenge to remain globally competitive".

Finally, the head of Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 for Iberia at Kearney, Isabel Morillo, shared her experience in companies in both Spain and Germany. "It is very important to have fresh ideas from students and young people to start innovative initiatives".

After the speeches, attendees were able to pose their thoughts and questions to the speakers at the table, generating a wide-ranging and enriching debate.