“Spain needs more talent with a global outlook in order to implement sustainable, digital change. In fact, almost half of Spanish companies (46%) admit that they have difficulties finding the profiles they need in the job market for their investments in technology and sustainability,” explained the President of Accenture in Spain, Portugal and Israel, Domingo Mirón, at the latest session of Matins Esade. According to the president of the consultancy firm, “Coronavirus, the fallout of the conflict in Ukraine, social pressure and new regulations in Spain are putting the resilience of companies to the test by promoting a new model of growth. As a result, almost 90% of Spanish companies expect to increase their investment in sustainability and going digital in comparison with last year in order to become more competitive,” said the executive.

“Investment in technology and sustainability are expected to create more than 5 million jobs in the EU economy by 2030. These new jobs will in fact be created in industries such as industrial equipment and goods, high tech, public services, automotive, biological sciences and communications,” declared the head of Accenture in Spain, who described these investments as “a unique opportunity to champion economic growth and quality employment.”

Tech training as a solution

According to Domingo Mirón, life-long learning is essential in order to make the most of investment in sustainability and going digital. “The lack of tech training amongst executives is a barrier that prevents companies from speeding up their digital change and emerging stronger from the successive crises we are experiencing, which is why investment in re-skilling and up-skilling programs is essential.” Quoting recent figures from Accenture’s Techvision report, Mirón said that “more than half the countries in this country regard investment in training programs as an investment so their staff can acquire the skills necessary to boost their transformation and adapt to the new phase of going digital.”

“Talent at all levels from board members to new graduates must learn about technology because it will be essential in order to take the best decisions and understand the corporate strategic implications”, said Domingo Mirón. Similarly, one of the training methods with the greatest potential for companies is in the metaverse.

The president of Accenture in Spain, Portugal and Israel believes that, “although its real potential is still unknown, we do know that the metaverse, a technology based on blockchain and virtual reality amongst other things, makes it easier to train people in industrial processes, enables talent scouting during immersion sessions and permits the creation of new business models.” Even so, Mirón thinks that, to avoid being dazzled by the latest trends, companies should only implement technologies that meet three criteria, i.e., those that “enable better decision-taking, optimize relations with customers and stakeholders, and make everyday business run smoothly.”

The president of Accenture Spain, Portugal and Israel was accompanied by Patricia Valentí, director of Esade Alumni, and Marc Correa, dean of Esade Executive Education. Matins Esade sessions are spaces where the leaders of companies and institutions can personally address their goals, challenges and careers.