Francisco Hortigüela took over from Pedro Mier as president of Ametic, on November 4, a few days after the Dana floods. Given the magnitude of the tragedy, the new leader of the Spanish technology industry has put the group he represents to work. In addition to humanitarian contributions for the reconstruction of affected areas, digital associations have begun to create an emergency action protocol. Broadly speaking, it is a precise guide to respond to any type of natural disaster.
What urgent matters await the new president of Ametic?
What we have before us first is the Dana. From the association we are seeing how we can help from three points of view: the humanitarian part, the social and economic recovery of the affected areas and the creation of a digital protocol for emergencies. The latter is not limited to the tragedy suffered by floods, but for all types of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, fires and others. And that is the most urgent thing. From the new steering committee of the association we began to work from the day of the election.
What does this emergency response protocol consist of?
It is a protocol in which we collaborate with other sector associations to create a digital emergency protocol. We ask ourselves how to act in these circumstances or what digital tools are the most appropriate at any given time, depending on what happens. The common idea is to convert this model into a UNE specification so that it subsequently reaches the status of law. We want it to be the first protocol of that type in the industry and I think we are the ones who best know the offer that exists on the market.
I understand that the ultimate goal of this protocol is to reduce the impacts of future natural disasters, right?
That’s how it is. Each phase to address a disaster can be related to different technologies. We have the alert part, also the monitoring of the catastrophe – with the impact on possible victims or victims – and, finally, the reconstruction phase. We have many companies in the association that are experts in these areas, who are working for different governments in other countries. From now on we will make a joint proposal for the entire industry, with the participation of associations such as Digitales or Adigital.
What role does mobile telephony play in these circumstances?
It is clear that the mobile phone is one of the basic tools in the event of any disaster, but we must see how we can use them in the most effective way. Other technologies also come into play, such as satellites and drones. We must organize the technologies and make them available to the administrations responsible for managing these disasters, so that they can use these resources in the fastest and most efficient way.
“We are fortunate to have more than 300 associates representing more than 10,000 companies”
I see that collaboration with other sector associations is on your agenda…
Yes. The ultimate goal is to defend the rights of our associates. And, logically, the more together we go, the better we will respond to the needs of the sector. I have always believed in collaboration. On certain issues we will have different positions, but globally we are all in the world of technology, with many common positions. In those cases, if we go together, we will have more strength.
How is Ametic going to change with you at the helm?
I want all associates to have greater weight and participation. With an executive committee and a board of directors very aligned with the objectives. I will also work so that the associates have a greater role and responsibility in the management of the association. We are fortunate to have more than 300 associates representing more than 10,000 companies, with professionals with a lot of talent, experience and desire to contribute. We must take advantage of this associative mass and make it available to the economy, society and the industry.
Do you have a recipe for retaining current associates?
Associates must perceive that there is a return on their investment. They contribute financially, but the most important thing is the contribution in time and dedication. They must appreciate that return. It is very important that the association achieves the individual objectives of each company, which defends the sector, the industry and the rights of the associates.
How do you plan to attract new members?
I think the best thing is to have happy members, because this way you attract other members organically. That model worked very well during the time I was general director of Ametic. Thus, many associates joined thanks to the recommendation of other partners.
What future challenges do you pose?
It is important that associates appreciate that Ametic is an influential, participatory and honest association. Also concerned not only with business growth, but also with the improvement of the economy, society and the ethical part related to the industrial development of technology. We want each person who dedicates their time and effort to the association to obtain a return much higher than what they allocate.
How do they hope to gain influence?
We want the Government to be demanding with the associations, to ask us for information and to take us into account when designing their policies. Let them know through us what is good for the sector and that is the way to be influential.
Do you have a request or message to the Government in favor of your industry?
I think the most important thing is that they offer active listening to the sector and its associations, because these reflect the industry consensus. You can listen to the companies separately, but it saves you time if you do it with us. The good thing about Ametic is that it welcomes very diverse industries, we cover a very broad spectrum, such as artificial intelligence, automotive, digital health, smart cities… We offer you a clear vision of the needs of the sector. What is good for the digital industry is good for the country, for citizens and for society as a whole. We are going to ask you to help the digital industry and digital employment grow, but also to better digitize all production processes. It is very important to listen to the company and the businessmen in the sector because they are very close to the day-to-day work.
Do you plan to raise the fees?
No no. There is always the increase due to the CPI, because everything goes up, we do not plan to increase the fees.
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