Co-authored by Antonio A. Conde,
Innovation and Digitization Country Leader at Cisco
As Cisco celebrates ten years of Country Digital Acceleration, Spain stands out as a vibrant example of what’s possible when vision, partnership, and innovation come together. Country Digital Acceleration has been the driving force behind Spain’s digital journey, setting the pace for transformation that touches every sector and community.
Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) is Cisco’s global initiative to co-invest with national governments, industry, and academia to accelerate digital growth, inclusion, and competitiveness. In Spain, this program is known as Cisco Digitaliza—and since 2018, it has become a catalyst for progress, aligning with the national Spain Digital Agenda 2026 and the goals of the Next Generation EU recovery funds.
Driving impact: Seven years of progress in Spain
When we look at Spain’s digital landscape today, the numbers tell a story of rapid evolution.
The country’s tech ecosystem has expanded by 22%, now encompassing nearly 8,600 companies and generating over €14.8 billion in economic impact [i]. Venture investment in deep-tech rose by nearly 46% in 2023 alone [ii], and Spain’s GDP continues to grow—reaching around 3.2% in 2024, one of the fastest rates in the eurozone [iii].
Behind these numbers is the work of CDA, driving over 114 projects across key sectors to build digital skills, modernize services, and secure critical infrastructure.
The program’s success can be attributed to its strategic focus on clearly defined impact areas:
Developing digital talent
A cornerstone of the program’s impact has been the growth of the Cisco Networking Academy. More than 470K people in Spain have been trained in networking, cybersecurity, IoT, and programming, opening new doors for youth, women, and professionals seeking to upskill in a fast-changing economy. These efforts don’t just build resumes—they build confidence, create opportunities, and empower communities. Many a long and successful career in tech has started at the Cisco Networking Academy.
Modernizing public services
CDA has helped bring digital innovation to classrooms, clinics, and government offices across Spain. From secure, connected classrooms and telemedicine solutions to AI-assisted diagnostics and IoT-based emergency management, these projects have helped improve the quality and efficiency of services that touch millions of lives. The projects have focused on using technology to drive productivity and improve patient outcomes. When public services are modern and resilient, everyone benefits.
Securing critical infrastructure
Digital transformation demands trust. Working with government agencies and industry leaders, CDA has brought advanced cybersecurity technologies and training to protect Spain’s essential services—energy, healthcare, transportation, and more. These efforts mean that as Spain becomes more connected, it also becomes more resilient to cyber threats.
Innovation Milestones
Semiconductor design center in Barcelona 
In 2023, CDA helped launch a state-of-the-art semiconductor design center in Barcelona. This facility is developing advanced chips for connectivity, cybersecurity, and high-performance computing, positioning at the heart of Europe’s semiconductor value chain and supporting technological sovereignty across the continent. With the launch of CDA 3, this design center will become even more relevant and strategic to the region’s innovation ecosystem.
Pioneering quantum-safe cryptography
Recognizing the security challenges posed by quantum computing, Cisco’s CDA program has spearheaded quantum-safe cryptography projects in Spain. These projects bring together public institutions and leading universities to develop and pilot cryptographic protocols that are resilient to quantum algorithms—helping safeguard critical data for years to come. The teams have also begun assessing existing systems for compliance with emerging global security standards, supporting Spain’s ongoing efforts to reinforce national cyber resilience. By investing early in quantum-safe technologies, CDA ensures Spain stays ahead of future threats and helps set benchmarks for other countries
AI and Giga Factories
Spain’s commitment to next-generation industrial development is evident in the rise of AI Factories and Giga Factories—large-scale, data-driven manufacturing and research hubs. Through CDA, Cisco provides the secure, intelligent digital infrastructure needed to power these factories, from high-speed connectivity and advanced networking to automation and energy-efficient operations. CDA has fostered collaborations between government, industry, and academia to create innovative ecosystems that support scalable artificial intelligence applications, optimize manufacturing processes, and boost Spain’s global competitiveness. These projects are helping to establish Spain as a leader in smart manufacturing and AI-enabled industry at scale.
Why it matters: Spain as a model for digital transformation
In just seven years, Cisco Digitaliza has helped Spain build a digital ecosystem that is more skilled, more innovative, and more secure. The program’s collaborative model—uniting public, private, and academic partners—shows what’s possible when we invest in technology for impact.
Looking Ahead
The story doesn’t end here. Cisco has renewed its commitment to the CDA program in Spain three more years—reflecting our belief in Spain’s potential to lead in artificial intelligence, quantum research, advanced manufacturing, and beyond. We’re excited to keep building a more inclusive, connected, and secure future. Explore more about Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration journey and join us as we shape what comes next for Spain and beyond.
Sources:
[i] Spain’s tech boom: €14.8B impact, 8,580 startups — but where are the women?
[ii] Quantitative Report on Deep Tech In Spain
[iii] Spain Full Year GDP Growth
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