Artificial Intelligence has become one of the most influential technologies of our time and its impact on society and the business world is unquestionable. Due to its rapid advancement, it is crucial that we adopt a balanced approach to harness its benefits while effectively managing its challenges and risks.

Spanish managers, aware of the changes that this may entail for their organizations and the economy in general, are faced with strategic decisions that must reconcile the drive for innovation with the protection of the fundamental values of our society. Despite the existing disparity of opinions as to the level of rigidity that regulation should include, it is important to remember that we cannot allow regulations to neglect ethics or become an obstacle to progress.

And this effort does not fall solely on public bodies - which must promote consensus and global criteria that respond to the requirements of privacy, security, equity and transparency in the use of AI, among others - but, internally, the business community faces the challenge of leading the implementation of this technology and establishing policies and guidelines that guarantee ethical and responsible use.

To this end, there are different mechanisms that, when correctly applied, can be very useful, such as the evaluation of the ethical impact before implementing Artificial Intelligence systems. This implies considering, before starting any AI activity, how it may affect employees, customers, suppliers and society as a whole. Ethics must be a fundamental principle at all stages of its development and deployment and it is crucial to anticipate possible unintended consequences.

In the interest of providing a sound and efficient ethical framework, the development of corporate guidelines on the use of AI is a good start. These manuals should be the point of reference for the entire organization, ensuring that it is used effectively, appropriately and ethically. In addition, the incorporation of indicators allows impact to be measured and informed decisions to be made.

Analysis of internal processes is also vital to identify opportunities for automation and efficiency, as well as to avoid misuse. AI can transform the way companies operate to gain long-term competitiveness and efficiency, and to bring more value to their customers. While it is true that some companies have already started to implement this technology in specific areas, such as data analysis or trend prediction, the true value of AI will materialize as we explore new applications and business models. Over time, it will become a more integral element in strategic decision making and in the security and privacy of enterprise data.

In this sense, specific training is an essential part of the process of adopting this technology in companies, both for management professionals and for many of the workers in most organizations, in a constantly evolving business environment that is increasingly impacted by technology. AI is not simply a tool, but a powerful agent of social and economic change that is permeating virtually every industry. It is essential to provide training and awareness on its ethical and responsible use in order to ensure understanding of the implications of the technology and to be prepared to make appropriate decisions.

To safeguard that AI-related activities are carried out in an ethical and responsible manner, it is necessary to verify that they have been carried out correctly. For this reason, it is also important that an oversight committee continuously and thoroughly monitors and ensures that they are carried out ethically and responsibly.

In short, the adoption of Artificial Intelligence marks a milestone in the business and technological history of our time. AI is now a reality that has arrived to fundamentally transform the way companies operate and society relates to technology. While this breakthrough brings immense potential for innovation, efficiency and improved quality of life, it also poses crucial challenges that must be addressed responsibly and ethically.

As managers, let us embrace this journey always under sensible regulation that guarantees its ethical and responsible use, continuous training and a strategic vision that allows us to take advantage of its full potential. Responsibility and ethics must be the pillars that guide this path, ensuring that technology becomes a valuable ally for society and business, promoting progress in a sustainable and win-win manner. AI is not the future, it is the present and we must be prepared to lead the way to a responsible future.