This conference explores the complex challenges facing Spain and Europe, focusing on demographic collapse, economic stagnation, political instability, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence. The speaker, Jesús Fernández Villaverde, presents a critical analysis of the situation and potential solutions.
Severe Demographic Collapse: Spain's low birth rate (1.2 children per woman) leads to a projected 40% population loss per generation, severely impacting public finances and future possibilities.
Economic Stagnation and Divergence: Spain's economic growth lags behind that of the United States, indicating a failure to achieve convergence and highlighting a concerning trend.
Political Instability: A climate of political chaos in Europe, exemplified by events in Germany, France, and Spain itself, hinders effective action.
AI Revolution's Impact: Artificial intelligence poses a significant challenge and opportunity, requiring adaptable governance and business frameworks. Spain's current regulatory environment lags, hindering its ability to compete in the AI sector.
The Need for a Multi-Dimensional Strategy: To overcome these challenges, Spain needs a comprehensive strategy addressing demographic issues (drastically increasing the birth rate), strengthening public administration, adapting to geopolitical shifts, and reforming its economy to support growth in the face of the AI revolution.