The Chair University and Knowledge Region of the Rovira i Virgili University organized the conference ‘Socioeconomic Impact of AI: Territorial Transformation Potentials’ at the Casal de Móra la Nova. The event, which had the collaboration of the Móra la Nova City Council and the Ribera d’Ebre County Council, along with support from the Tarragona Provincial Council, attracted about fifty participants, highlighting the growing interest in AI and its future impact on the territory.
The session featured prestigious speakers who analyzed the challenges and opportunities of AI from academic, institutional, business, and social perspectives. The first panel discussion, focused on the academic and strategic sphere and moderated by Jordi Duch, Director of the Chair, included contributions from Meritxell Granger (Generalitat de Catalunya), Mariona Sanz (BSC), Jordina Torrents (HP), and Karina Gibert (Polytechnic University of Catalonia). They addressed the vectors of transformation, competitiveness, innovation, and territorial development, agreeing that AI represents a strategic opportunity if accompanied by adequate regulation.
The second panel, moderated by Josep Maria Piñol, technician at the Chair, translated these reflections to the reality of the Terres de l’Ebre and Southern Catalonia. Participants included Sergi Sarri (Mobile World Congress), Albert Pujol (technician at the Ribera d’Ebre County Council), and Dolors Setó (URV). They offered a practical view on the challenges and opportunities AI presents for public administrations, businesses, and organizations in the region, emphasizing the need for continued training and collaboration.
Jordi Duch, Director of the Chair, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in bringing knowledge to the territory and fostering shared reflection spaces. Meanwhile, Francesc Barbero, president of the Ribera d’Ebre County Council, highlighted AI's potential as a driver for competitiveness and territorial rebalancing for the county, particularly in inland municipalities.
