XVI SIMPOSIO: Business Leaders Emphasize That Technology and Innovation Will Be Key to Raising the Competitiveness of Productive Sectors
- Representatives from key sectors such as mining, construction, agribusiness, commercial aviation, and suppliers agreed that technological transformation allows for improvements in productivity, safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency.
Lima, May 28, 2026. Technology and innovation have become fundamental tools for boosting the competitiveness of the country’s main productive sectors. This was the message conveyed by business leaders during the panel “Technology and Innovation: A Challenge for the Growth Across All Sectors,” held as part of the SIMPOSIO – XVI International Mining Meeting, organized by the National Society of Mining, Petroleum and Energy (SNMPE).
The panel was led by Jorge Benavides, First Quantum Minerals’ Country Manager for Peru, who highlighted that mining is essential for global technological development, but also directly benefits from these advances through remote operations, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, data analysis, and improvements in productivity, safety, logistics, and environmental performance.
Pedro Lerner, CEO of Grupo UNACEM, emphasized that adopting technology in the construction sector enhances productivity in essential industries such as cement, concrete, and aggregates. He noted that this technological shift creates opportunities to transform infrastructure and housing development. Lerner highlighted the potential for industrializing construction to enable high-quality, large-scale projects to be completed in shorter timeframes.
Similarly, Mónica Obando, Senior Manager of Corporate Affairs at LATAM Airlines Peru, discussed how the airline industry is integrating digital tools to enhance the passenger experience, optimize operations, and reduce emissions. She mentioned that over 94% of LATAM customers utilize digital check-in and that the company is leveraging artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other new technologies to boost operational efficiency.
From the agribusiness sector, Alfonso Bustamante, Chairman of the Board of Agrícola Cerro Prieto, indicated that modern Peruvian agriculture makes intensive use of data, sensors, advanced irrigation, laboratories, quality control systems, and artificial intelligence to meet increasingly demanding consumers. He added that technology has been key to improving factors such as productivity, food safety, efficient water use, and traceability.
For his part, Santiago Basualdo, manager of Ferreyros’ Large-Scale Mining Division, stated that the mining transformation is characterized by the intensive use of data, autonomy, remote operation, digital twins, and electrification. He noted that these tools allow for better decision-making, reduced risks for workers, and progress toward more efficient and sustainable operations.
The panelists agreed that technology will be crucial for closing gaps in productivity, infrastructure, talent, and sustainability. They emphasized that progress in one sector generates positive impacts across all productive sectors. For example, the development of mining in various regions drives employment, enhances connectivity, supports suppliers, improves housing, and creates new services.
Photos are available at the following link: https://flickr.com/photos/195630249@N08
