The second roundtable within the scope of the economic transformation presentation began in Palau Alameda. The event, part of the Prensa Ibérica economic supplement Activos, was sponsored by Startkraft, ABANCA, Cajamar, Hidraqua, Power CO, Verevents, Prezero, and AEDAS Home. The dialogue featured notable figures including José Miguel Ferrer, managing director of Statkraft in Spain; Agnès Noguera, vice president of AVE and CEO of Libertas 7; Javier Rivera, CFO of PowerCo; and Gerardo Yagüe, a member of the Deloitte Spain Executive Committee and managing partner for the Valencian Community and Region of Murcia.
Noguera opened the conversation, affirming that the Valencian Community has taken a significant step forward while stressing that many companies are in the process of modernization, even though they operate in traditional sectors that drive the regional economy. She highlighted the rapid pace of changes and acknowledged how transforming an economy presents challenges, praising the arrival of new, innovative companies as a sign that progress is on track. When investment flows, she argued, the region will have achieved an important milestone.
Following remarks from seven Libertas representatives, the discussion returned to the core issue of prioritizing energy in the Valencian Community. Ferrer stated that to keep Valencian firms competitive in international markets, energy must be inexpensive. He warned that without a shift to renewable energy, there will be no room for viable growth plans, describing renewable energy as the missing piece of the puzzle and noting a recent slowdown in momentum within the region.
paradigm shift
Rivera then described the current moment as a paradigm shift in industry. He emphasized that true transformation hinges on collaboration among governments, businesses, and the broader relational ecosystem. In his view, projects like the Mediterranean Corridor and improved access to renewable resources are essential building blocks. He highlighted PowerCo and Volkswagen Group as emblematic collaborations and asserted that sustainability and competitiveness must go hand in hand.
Yagüe directed attention to talent as a central theme. A member of the Deloitte Spain Executive Committee noted that wealth increasingly stems from educated populations and access to natural resources, arguing that human capital is the true engine of national prosperity. In the context of the Valencian Community, he underscored talent as a vital factor for the region’s economic future, linking people’s skills directly to long term growth and resilience.