All experts agree that innovation is vital to the survival of companies, but when it comes to innovation, the truth is. only one in ten apply to universities to promote projects that will help them strengthen their competitiveness. This was revealed at the Meeting to Unite Researchers and Entrepreneurs, an event organized by the Fundación LAB Mediterráneo in Alicante on Tuesday, where the need to strengthen cooperation between both parties and promote public funding was highlighted.
The purpose of the second meeting was, as Alberto Gutiérrez, president of the LAB Foundation explained, «promoting research, development and innovation in the Valencian Community to close the gap with other regions». Gonzalo Abellant, president of the GenT Plan Excellence Scientists Association (AccenT), used similar phrases to emphasize the importance of improving communication between researchers and companies.
And this need arises alongside the limited dialogue between university institutions and commercial companies, moderated by José María Gómez Gras, professor of Business Organization at Miguel Hernández University (UMH). technical and financial difficulties they admit they have when handling their innovation plans.
In this discussion, Nuria Oliver, director of Ellis Alicante, emphasized that cooperation between science and business is “necessary and mutually beneficial to ensure that scientific advances are socially and economically meaningful,” and said in this regard: One of the challenges companies face is taking risks.. “You have to take into account that we’re talking about investments in research over a three to five year time frame, because it’s all about trial and error, but where the future lies in innovation.”
Damià Tormo, director of Columbus Venture Partners, cited the case of the business group developing pharmaceutical treatments for rare diseases as an example, stating that innovation transfer is essential to solving real problems in society. However, he also refers to The different conditions that exist between the Basque Country at the forefront of innovation and other regions such as the Community of Valencianot only in financing matters, but also in terms of administrative agility and tailor-made courses to meet business needs.
Dacsa’s corporate product manager Mary Carmen Vidal and Familia Martínez’s corporate director also presented success stories in terms of research and development in their own companies at the event they attended.
Event held yesterday It is an initiative of the Valencian Entrepreneurs Association. AccenT, Alicante Family Business Association (AEFA), Valencian Community Business Confederation (CEV), Alicante Chamber, Jaume I Awards Foundation, University of Alicante (UA) and University of Elche Miguel Hernández (UMH).