The roundtable discussion titled “Investing to Stay Competitive” featured Mario Ferreiro representing Ineco, along with representatives from other companies, including Juan Tébar, General Manager of Operations at Metro de Madrid
The future of transport was the focus of the 4th Congress of the Spanish Transport Association (AET), held under the slogan “Transport at a turning point”. The event brought together professionals and experts to examine the challenges facing a sector undergoing profound transformation.
The round-table discussion “Investing to remain competitive” featured contributions from Ineco, represented by Mario Ferreiro, Manager for Railway Planning and Services. He argued that, despite differences between transport modes, the key factors underpinning competitiveness are largely shared.
Among these, he highlighted the need to invest in more resilient and sustainable infrastructure, capable of adapting to an environment shaped by climate change and new regulatory demands. The incorporation of circular economy principles and a comprehensive life-cycle approach to infrastructure are emerging as essential elements to ensure long-term viability.
Digitalisation was another central theme of the debate, albeit with a clear caveat: it is not simply about adopting technology, but about ensuring it delivers real impact in management. Real-time monitoring, predictive models and the use of digital twins are increasingly seen as decisive tools for optimising operations and improving decision-making.
Alongside these factors comes a third, less visible yet equally decisive element: talent. The new landscape calls for professionals able to operate in hybrid environments, where the physical and digital worlds converge. Updating technical skills therefore becomes a critical factor in sustaining competitiveness.
Now in its fourth edition, the congress has cemented its position as one of Spain’s leading meeting points for the transport sector. In a fast-changing global environment, the debate is no longer focused solely on investment itself, but on how it is directed to drive efficiency, innovation and leadership.
