The Digital Enterprise Show (DES2025), Europe’s largest gathering on AI and exponential technologies, concluded in Malaga after welcoming over 17,600 executives from 36 countries. Across three intense days, the event spotlighted a growing urgency to address cybercrime, quantum disruption, AI governance, and Europe’s fragmented digital strategy.
Cybercrime: 1 in 5 offences now online
Law enforcement officials from the Spanish National Police and Civil Guard warned that 20% of all reported crimes are now cyber-related, with scams and AI-generated content fuelling a wave of digital offences.
“Cybercrime has been perfected,” said Floren Molina, CTO at Cyber Guardian (Banco Santander). “Not all companies are prepared. Security must be built in from day one.”
Juan Carlos Sancho, head of the National Police’s cyber unit, highlighted a troubling rise in child exploitation cases linked to AI tools. “We must use AI to strengthen our own digital defences and free up investigators,” he said.
Quantum leap or risk of collapse?
Quantum computing emerged as both a breakthrough and a threat. Experts warned that post-quantum cryptography must be adopted now to prevent mass vulnerabilities in future systems.
“We can’t wait until the threat is real,” said Javier López, professor at the University of Málaga. “We’re testing new algorithms today to prepare for the transition.”
David González, CISO at Coren, called for a “staggered approach” that will allow businesses to gradually shift to quantum-safe standards without disrupting operations.
Europe falling behind in tech race
Colonel Pedro Baños, geostrategic analyst and keynote speaker, warned that China dominates 30 of the 45 most important disruptive technologies, and Europe risks falling permanently behind.
He criticised the lack of a united European response: “In the US, Trump ordered a federal strategy for AI. In Europe, everyone wants their own tech park. You can’t compete like that.”
Baños cited Mario Draghi’s proposal for a €400bn investment to help Europe close its innovation gap, urging action to reverse brain drain and dependence on outside powers.
Responsible AI and data governance
From IBM to Google and Gaia-X, leaders stressed that AI deployment must prioritise transparency, safety and public trust.
Isabel Tristán of IBM Spain warned: “Quantum is coming fast. Companies need to act now to secure their data, models and monitoring processes.”
Aleida Alcaide, Spain’s AI Director General, explained how new national laws will align with the European AI Act to encourage responsible adoption: “We want to give businesses the confidence to innovate without fear.”
Public sector must lead by example
On Day 3, the focus turned to the digital transformation of public services. Officials from the Ministry of Justice and Secretary of State for Digitalisation said that quantum and AI are no longer future bets, but commercial opportunities today.
The Spanish government has allocated €800m for AI and quantum initiatives to empower SMEs and strengthen digital sovereignty.
“Digital transformation is about more than tech—it’s about citizen trust, ethical data use, and societal benefit,” said Mar Fernández, CIO at CSIC.
A milestone event for Malaga
With 408 companies showcasing 681 innovations and an estimated €30m economic impact, DES2025 firmly established Malaga as a hub for international tech dialogue.
Mayor Francisco de la Torre celebrated DES2025 for placing the city on the global innovation map, while local leaders called for continued support for Malaga as a hub for world-class digital and business events.
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