Rafa Climent, the Minister of Sustainable Economy, Productive Sectors, Trade and Labor, spoke in 2023 about Ivace’s enhanced grant program aimed at improving and modernizing industrial zones through the Management and Modernization Organization (EGM). He outlined a process that now allows subsidies up to one million euros for eligible improvement and modernization activities within EGMs, signaling a significant broadened scope of support for industrial parks across the region. This update follows a prior cap of 200,000 euros per project, with plans to raise the limit in future calls as long as the project is aligned with an EGM. The minister framed this change as a pivotal step in aligning Ivace’s assistance with the evolving needs of industrial zones, reinforcing a commitment to adaptive, targeted funding for the sector. (Citation: Valencia Community government release)
Climent announced the changes during the graduation ceremony for 196 students enrolled in business parks management and business administration graduate programs at the University of Alicante. The moment underscored the administration’s belief in professionalizing the management of industrial zones to boost competitiveness and value for companies operating within these parks. The minister emphasized that the new policy not only strengthens support for EGMs but also opens the door to larger subsidies as management and modernization efforts become more sophisticated. (Citation: University of Alicante event coverage)
In his remarks, Climent highlighted the role of EGMs in elevating the competitiveness of business parks and enhancing the value of tenant companies. The introduction of a dedicated Management Presence and Modernization framework was described as a mechanism that can attract more substantial subsidies, reflecting a strategic shift toward greater incentives for modernization projects. He noted that EGMs serve as essential instruments for professionalization and for upgrading the infrastructure and core services that industrial zones require to attract investment and sustain growth. (Citation: Government briefing on EGM strategy)
The minister also pointed to Ivace’s active role in establishing management and modernization units that advise municipalities within the Community of Valencia. These units engage communities through information meetings conducted under a cooperation agreement with Fepeval each year. A dedicated investment of 70,000 euros was earmarked for 2023 to support these advisory activities. (Citation: Ivace annual plan)
High-Quality Work Park Management Program
During the graduation ceremony, Climent congratulated 25 students who completed the second edition of the Advanced Business Park Management Programme. This program is a collaboration between the University of Alicante and Fepeval, with Ivace contributing 20,000 euros toward the initiative. The Senior Program in Spain has consistently achieved its goals for a second consecutive year by advancing the professionalization of park management and leadership. It provides practical insights and equips managers with tools to optimize operations across business areas. (Citation: Alicante university program highlights)
Climent stressed that the Community of Valencia has already led the way with the approval of the law on the management, modernization, and promotion of industrial areas. He described the law as a consensus-driven framework that addresses a long-standing demand and enables the development of space trade while ensuring the availability of trained professionals to manage these polygons. The minister asserted, “We are pioneers,” underscoring the region’s forward-looking approach to industrial area governance. (Citation: Valencia regional law synopsis)
He added that the course demonstrates a commitment to expanding the professional field of business park management and to strengthening the industrial zones that contribute to their own professionalization, competitiveness, and growth. The aim is to place these zones in a position of rightful prominence within the regional economy. (Citation: Ministerial remarks on professional development)
It is noteworthy that the program’s training aligns with the objectives of the Valencia Community’s industrial zones law, which was the first national framework to formally integrate the figure of industrial zone management as a key element in professionalizing these shared economic spaces. The course is also a recognition of the managers who represent a distinctive asset within the parks they oversee. (Citation: Valencia industrial zones law overview)
Among other topics, Climent touched on knowledge creation to advance the protection of Management and Modernization Assets and the implementation of value-added services. He highlighted ongoing public-private cooperation already in place within business areas, signaling a broader, collaborative approach to sustaining and scaling modernization efforts. (Citation: Policy briefing on asset protection and services)
Overall, officials stressed that investment in professional park management aligns with broader regional strategies to modernize infrastructure, improve governance, and stimulate sustainable growth across industrial zones in the Community of Valencia. The emphasis remains on equipping managers with the skills and resources necessary to drive long-term value for businesses and communities alike. (Citation: Regional strategy outline)