Advanced Tertiary Association meetings highlight regional budget tensions and industry awards
The Advanced Tertiary Association, led by Peter Fernandez, gathered this Wednesday at a gala hosted by the IFA to discuss what some critics view as underinvestment in the province’s initiatives. The event, part of the Bishop Awards ceremony, celebrated the year’s most influential companies and drew officials from business, politics, and civil society across the region.
Fernandez underscored a perception that the province has faced setbacks, suggesting that the current climate places Alicante on the periphery of national progress. He noted that 2023 has not appeared favorable, but emphasized that the broader European support framework remains pivotal for Spain’s advancements. He described himself as a representative of technology and consultancy firms in the province, speaking on behalf of a sector that he believes deserves greater access to investment and policy attention.
Speaking on the broader challenges, Fernandez highlighted a persistent investment gap described as widespread and difficult to bridge. He pointed to figures from İneca that illustrate a lack of solidarity between regions and urged a collective effort to reverse what he called an intolerable situation. According to him, the path forward hinges on unity and coordinated action across markets and public bodies.
In the same spirit, the association affirmed its support for initiatives led by the Central European Ventures (CEV), stressing that the steps taken are straightforward yet strong, aimed at conveying a message of resilience. Alicante, the speaker argued, deserves greater recognition and resources. He reminded audiences that the organization sees daily evidence of potential in the local tech and consultancy communities and remains committed to amplifying that promise.
The discussion then shifted to a broader policy moment, as Business voices urged a pause in budgetary allocations and called for strategic demonstrations in front of the Sub-Delegation and in Madrid. The appeal was framed as a demand for clearer priorities that align with regional strengths and the ambitions of Alicante’s firms to scale operations and attract talent.
Fernandez, noting Alicante’s GDP footprint, emphasized that the city is not an incidental leader but a growing contributor in Spain’s economic landscape. He asserted that the province’s capabilities have been proven and that continued cooperation will reveal the true scale of Alicante’s entrepreneurship. He cited 61,323 registered companies, marking a growth of 5,391 since 2018 and representing more than 40 percent of the autonomous business fabric. The figures were presented as a baseline for future progress and a call to sustain investment in local capacity.
The Alfil Awards ceremony, which gathered more than 250 attendees in the fair district, reflected the province’s diverse sectors and the social and political spectrum. This year’s honorees included Stoller Europe, The Hoff Brand, Martinelli, the Dénia City Council for its tourism intelligence master plan, Carros de Foc, RH Hotels, Nax Solutions, Inden Pharma, Pérez Cerdá Plásticos, and Face To Travel. The gala’s motto, Courage to Keep Going, underscored the industry’s unwavering commitment to innovation and resilience, marking the tenth edition of these awards.
Throughout the evening, organizers and participants highlighted the importance of sustained investment, regional collaboration, and practical policy actions that can unlock growth for Alicante’s businesses. The event served as a platform to unite industry leaders behind a shared agenda: stronger regional ties, targeted funding, and a clear, actionable plan to convert potential into measurable results. The overarching message remained simple—Alicante has the talent and the ideas; what is needed now is coordinated support that matches the province’s ambition and pace.
Indeed, the gathering reflected a broader national conversation about balance in budgets and the role of regional innovation ecosystems within a united economic strategy. While Fernandez and his colleagues acknowledged the challenges, they also projected a pathway forward—one rooted in collaboration, clarity of purpose, and a proactive stance toward Europe’s ongoing investment programs. The consensus was clear: when provinces like Alicante harness their strengths and align with national priorities, the results can reshape the competitive landscape for Spain as a whole.
In summary, the Advanced Tertiary Association framed the issue not as a critique of the present alone but as a call to action. Investment decisions, regional solidarity, and visionary leadership were presented as the triad necessary to propel Alicante forward. With the awards recognizing achievement and the protests signaling a demand for better alignment, the message to policymakers and business leaders was unmistakable: more support, more unity, and more courage to continue.