Training and citizenship in times of digital transformation: a shared challenge

Digitalisation is no longer a future horizon, but a reality that crosses everyday life: how we study, work, relate or educate new generations. That certainty guided the debate in the cycle ‘The impact of digitalisation on society’, held within the Santander Evenings in the framework of the 39th AMETIC Digital Economy and Telecommunications Meeting, in collaboration with Banco Santander and the Menéndez Pelayo International University (UIMP).

With experts from education, the technology industry and the third sector, the sessions served to send a clear message: No one can be allowed to be left behind in this digital revolution.

Digital classrooms and employability: the vision of the Ministry of Education

The inauguration was carried out by Esther Monterrubio, Secretary General for Vocational Training of the Ministry of Education. His intervention was blunt: “We must ensure that all young people in Spain have a basic level of digitalisation to advance their professional and personal development”

Along these lines, he reviewed some of the measures that are already being deployed:

• 1,200 advanced technological classrooms to incorporate digitalization into teaching environments.
• 66 specialised centres of excellence, with headquarters in key sectors such as agri-food and automotive.
• 120,000 professionals trained in digital skills, essential to maintain employability.

The objective, he stressed, is not only to provide tools, but to improve the labor insertion of young people and strengthen the competitiveness of the country. Because, in the words of Monterrubio, digitalisation is “a positive impact for society as a whole”.

Technology and education: a pending deal

The first debate of the afternoon focused on the combination of technology and talent. Moderated by Mariola García Arellano, Chair of the AMETIC Digital Talent Committee, the table brought together Óscar Martín Centeno (Madrid Board of Directors), Mar Camacho (Universitat Rovira i Virgili), Diego Granja (Samsung) and Sara Gómez (Royal Academy of Engineering).

The consensus was clear: digitalisation must be comprehensive, personalised and guided by pedagogy. The need for a State Pact for the transformation of education and talent, ensuring inclusive and modern teaching, was defended.

Among the key highlights:

• From consumers to creators. Martín Centeno insisted that AI and other tools should serve for students to produce and not only consume content.
• Teachers with new skills. Camacho stressed the urgency of equipping teachers with digital skills and data literacy, without losing their critical role as mentors.
• Technology with purpose. Granja warned that digitalisation cannot be reduced to ‘moving a PDF to a screen’: it must bring added value.
• Engineering and gaps. Gómez recalled that digitalization also involves attracting more female and diverse talent to technological careers.

The conclusion: digital education is not measured in devices, but in the ability to generate citizens who are critical, competent and adapted to a changing environment.

Children and cybersecurity: change the story

One of the most intense debates revolved around the protection of minors in digital environments. Moderated by journalist Antonio Lorenzo (ElEconomista), it featured representatives from Google (Marta Becerra), Xiaomi (Natalia Ares), INCIBE (Cristina Gutiérrez) and UNICEF (Nacho Guadix).

The figures speak for themselves: one in three minors makes problematic use of the Internet, and one in five has experienced negative experiences online. But beyond the data, the speakers agreed on the need for a narrative change: it is not a question of prohibiting, but of accompanying.

Among the proposals:

• Give families clear tools to dose technology at home.
• Design digital experiences appropriate to the age and needs of each user.
• Defend the digital rights of children in all settings.

As Guadix (UNICEF) pointed out, the challenge is not to isolate children from technology, but to ensure that its use becomes an educational and socialization opportunity, without jeopardizing their well-being.

A humane approach to digitalisation

The day closed with a shared idea: Digitalisation is a transformative force that traverses society as a whole, but only a responsible, inclusive and people-centred approach will unlock its potential.

This final message connects with AMETIC's vocation to lead a transversal sector, which concentrates more than 30% of private investment in R&D&I in Spain and acts as an engine for growth and employment. With partners ranging from tech giants to innovative SMEs, the digital employer underlines that its mission is to turn digital transformation into an opportunity for the whole society.

In the words of the organisers: “Digitalisation is not a destination, but a shared path. And only if we go through it together will no one be left behind.”

Final reflection

The digital future of Spain is built from the classroom, but also from homes, companies and institutions.

The big challenge is for each actor – administrations, teachers, families, the private sector – to take their share of responsibility. The digital revolution does not wait, and the real challenge is not technological, but human.