Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining how we create, access, and share knowledge. In this context, initiatives like ALIA play a key role in enabling Europe—and specifically Spain—to leverage this technological revolution. While much has been said about the dominance of LLM models developed by major American tech companies using English, we now have the opportunity to drive the development of LLMs and generative AI applications where Spanish also plays a prominent role.

Most generative AI models (LLMs) have been trained primarily on English-language datasets, making them perform better in that language compared to others (despite being compatible with multiple languages). This bias can lead to less efficient technological applications for Spanish-speaking users, affecting accuracy and increasing the risk of hallucinations in model responses.

Spanish, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, has enormous potential in the AI field. However, its presence in this domain does not yet reflect its global significance. While major technological powers such as the United States and China continue advancing in the development of increasingly sophisticated models, Europe and Latin America now have the opportunity not only to integrate into this innovation race but also to establish their own presence in the development of generative AI models.

Driving local technological development

Developing Spanish-language AI models presents both technical and economic challenges, requiring vast amounts of data, supercomputing infrastructures, and ongoing research investment. This is where ALIA comes in—a project paving the way to ensure that Europe and Spain do not fall behind. This initiative aims not only to train AI models in Spanish using high-quality, relevant data but also to establish advanced computing infrastructure in Europe, ensuring that technological development occurs locally.

ALIA’s goal is clear: to improve the efficiency of current Spanish-language AI models and facilitate the creation of specialized applications in strategic sectors such as business, healthcare, and public administration. With financial support from European and Spanish institutions, this project is emerging as a key opportunity to strengthen the Spanish-speaking technology ecosystem and potentially serve as the foundation for creating a generative AI hub in Spain—positioning it as a global benchmark.

Applications developed with ALIA’s support could transform multiple sectors. In scientific research, it will enable faster and more accurate analysis of large datasets. In healthcare, it will enhance disease detection and personalized treatments. In public administration, it will optimize resource management and citizen communication.

From a business perspective, ALIA represents a significant opportunity for Spanish SMEs to access the latest advancements in generative AI, as they make up the majority of Spain’s industrial fabric. Generative AI will allow them to automate processes, improve decision-making, and expand into new markets, particularly in Latin America. This could translate into a significant boost for the global competitiveness of Spanish-speaking enterprises.

A collaborative future for Europe and Latin America

Ensuring the presence of Spanish in AI is also a matter of technological sovereignty. Without investment in local development, decisions regarding language processing in our native tongue will be left to foreign companies. Now is the time for Europe and Latin America to join forces in a unified strategy to advance generative AI solutions and digital transformation.

Collaboration between universities, businesses, and governments will be crucial in this process. Their role will be fundamental in research, funding, and creating the right incentives to establish a generative AI technology hub in Spain. Moreover, it will foster an entrepreneurial hub where Europe’s top tech talent can position Spain as a leading center for creating cutting-edge technological solutions with global leadership.

The use of Barcelona’s supercomputer for training these models reflects the project's high level of commitment. Generative AI requires massive computing power, and ALIA relies on top-tier infrastructure to compete with tech giants. Additionally, its open-source nature makes it an accessible and collaborative project, allowing researchers, businesses, and developers across Ibero-America to participate in its evolution.

Technological sovereignty does not mean isolation, it means the ability to compete and develop in a global environment. ALIA aligns with this vision by fostering a collaborative ecosystem that promotes talent development, innovation, and technological entrepreneurship in Spain and the broader Spanish-speaking world.

The challenge is significant, but with the right combination of investment, talent attraction policies, and a regulatory framework that encourages collaboration between the public and private sectors, Spain could become a global leader in generative AI, positioning itself at the forefront of technological innovation in Europe and Latin America.

This article was originally published in CIO Spain.