More than half of Spanish SMEs do not use artificial intelligence nor plan to do so. The Pyme Digital programme covers up to 85% of the first €7,000 investment in digital solutions.
More than half of Spanish SMEs are unaware of artificial intelligence and do not plan to incorporate it into their activities, according to Ecosistema Startup based on studies cited by Cámara de España. To reduce this gap, the institution combines practical guidance, advice, and support through the Pyme Digital programme.
The Digitalisation Commission of Cámara de España has published the GuIA for SMEs, a document that helps companies identify which AI solutions add value. According to their data, 54.7% of Spanish companies are exploring or using AI to some extent, but only 5.3% have it widely or strategically integrated. 68% of those already using it started a year ago or less.
The main barrier is not cost. 60.8% of companies not using it say they do not see its usefulness or do not consider it a priority, while 26% cite a lack of knowledge and 22.1% mention a lack of time or resources. Among those already employing it, the most cited problem is integrating it with current systems (28.3%).
The guide warns that applying AI to disorganised processes accelerates errors. It recommends starting with a minimum viable data set, the necessary data for the first use case, with clear access and traceability. Additionally, 11.4% of companies have formalised guidelines on AI and only 19.6% have a formal security framework.
Pyme Digital is a programme co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). It begins with a diagnosis assisted by chamber technicians, which identifies needs and defines appropriate tools, and then has a network of specialised advisors in digital transformation.
The programme finances up to 85% of the first €7,000 of investment. Eligible solutions include cloud ERP and CRM, e-commerce, electronic invoicing, digital signatures, and digital marketing.
“The programme can finance the implementation of technological solutions where AI plays a relevant role,” explains Julián López-Arenas, Director of Competitiveness at Cámara de España.
The reach is still modest. In 2025, nearly 700 companies participated in Pyme Digital and over 1,000 benefited from awareness and training actions.
On another note, the General Assembly of Chambers of Commerce approved the pilot project Cámaras IA, coordinated by Cámara de España with ten territorial chambers. Its aim is to provide specialised advice and computing capacity to SMEs without their own technical teams.
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