Alicante’s College of Economists is preparing to mark its second anniversary with a prestigious event that spotlights how economists contribute to regional growth. The Economist Awards, originally launched in 2019 to celebrate the College’s 40th anniversary, recognize the people, organizations, and companies driving Spain’s economic development, with a particular emphasis on Alicante and its surrounding province. The ceremony aims to honor those who translate ideas into measurable progress across both public and private sectors.
The gala will take place at the Teatro Principal de Alicante, where six awards will be presented in this edition. The Central Rural Fund will be acknowledged for its Entrepreneurship Trajectory, while the Digital Zone for Promotion of Innovation will honor outstanding digital initiatives. Riegos de Levante is a recipient of the Sustainability Award, and the Murcia Official College of Economists will receive the Promotion of Economic Knowledge prize. The Red Cross will be recognized for its Social Responsibility, and the AIReF President, Cristina Herrero Sánchez, is slated to receive the Economic and Social Compliance Award for leadership in economic governance and social responsibility.
Francisco Menargues, the Dean of the Alicante College of Economists, explained the motivation behind the awards: the profession positions economists as the engine of progress, and the awards celebrate the people and organizations that steer Spain’s economic growth. He emphasized the value of bold leaders, forward-thinking companies, and entrepreneurial institutions that contribute to both economic and social development across the country.
The Economists Awards trace their origin to an inaugural edition that recognized Banco Sabadell, the University of Alicante, Miguel Hernández University in Elche, Ecisa, the Chamber of Commerce, Balearia, EUIPO, and the Diocesan Foundation. Over the years, the program has grown in stature, establishing itself as a contemporary platform for acknowledging substantial contributions to the profession and to regional prosperity.
The 2023 Economists Awards Gala will feature Valentín Pich, President of the Spanish General Council of Economists, alongside a broad delegation of business leaders and corporate representatives. A spellbinding performance by renowned mentalist Tony Bright is also planned to entertain attendees, adding a distinctive element to the evening while underscoring the event’s reputation for excellence in both professional recognition and cultural presentation.
Historically, the Economists Awards have been conducted twice yearly, though a pause occurred due to the pandemic, delaying activities that would normally occur in the spring season. The organization remains committed to resuming the program at a steady cadence, ensuring timely recognition of outstanding work across Spain’s economic landscape and its regions. The forthcoming edition is expected to reaffirm the awards program as a benchmark for ethical leadership, innovative practice, and societal contribution within the field.