Alicante is emerging as a key technology hub in the Mediterranean. That was the takeaway as Andreas Schwab, a German member of the European Parliament and the lead rapporteur for the Digital Markets Act, spoke during a market-ready briefing held at Torre Juana OST. The gathering brought together business leaders and university representatives who listened to a detailed briefing on the new regulation and offered practical ideas to ensure that the law spurs innovation while safeguarding citizens’ rights and security. (Source: European Parliament briefings)
Schwab, a prominent figure within the Christian Democratic Union of Germany, is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices shaping digital regulation in Europe. His work has positioned the law as a reference point for governments around the world, including the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea, as they seek to curtail the power of large technology companies. (Source: European Parliament updates)
With this lineage, Schwab’s visit to Alicante, organized by Torre Juana OST, drew a strong turnout of business and academic stakeholders eager to learn more about the regulation and to contribute ideas. The purpose of the visit was not only to explain the legislation but also to solicit input on how the measure can best foster local innovation without compromising regulatory clarity. (Source: Event notes)
Schwab praised the digital ecosystem developing in Alicante, noting that the city is becoming a notable technology hub in the Mediterranean. He described the trip as an opportunity to explain the benefits of the law, illustrate practical examples, and hear the concerns of companies operating in the region. (Source: Remarked at the meeting)
The German parliamentarian stressed that the overarching aim of the digital regulation, in its implementation phase, is to ensure a fair and transparent functioning of the digital market within the European Union. He also highlighted that, so far, there has not been a strong, organized opposition from major tech firms. (Source: Policy briefing)
Among the attendees, Andrés Pedreño, former rector of the University of Alicante and cofounder of Torre Juana OST, underscored the significance of Schwab’s Alicante visit. He noted that the visit highlights Alicante’s relevance on the European innovation map and promotes dialogue between local actors and European institutions. (Source: Local commentary)
Antonio Sánchez-Zaplana, president of AlicanTec, pointed out that participants conveyed to Schwab the need for policy support for startups and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises as they adapt to the regulation. Esteban Pelayo, manager of the Alicante Science Park, added that the meeting gave them a chance to communicate how a regulatory framework can ease innovation for local companies. (Source: Industry responses)
Manuel Desantes, a professor at the University of Alicante and former vice-president of the European Patent Office, commented that Schwab clearly understood the extraordinary development possibilities for Alicante. Esther Sánchez, CEO of Iconbo, emphasized the demand from businesses for advisory and training services to build digital transformation plans. (Source: Academic and industry reflections)
Finally, Juan Luis Pedreño, the PP spokesperson on artificial intelligence in the Congress of Deputies, highlighted the importance of maintaining direct contact with the European Parliament to ensure the law serves as a vehicle for technological development. Toño Peral, Alicante’s councilor for New Technologies, stressed the meeting’s value for accessing and managing European funds. (Source: Parliamentary and municipal perspectives)