The new regional government, led by Carlos Mazón, remains committed to transforming the Port of Alicante into a world-class technology hub. The new Digital District headquarters opened by Botànic will now also be added an education and research center related to artificial intelligence (AI). It will be in the former warehouses of the company Pescados Amaro González, this will happen after the Consell’s general meeting on Tuesday approved an agreement with the Port Authority, which will see the facilities fall into the hands of the Department of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism. . This is a project that started to take its first steps with the support of the previous Administrator, but will now be undertaken by the new Government, bringing its own nuances.
Last March, Digital District 5 was inaugurated in the port area, an area consisting of four buildings that offers all the necessary services for applications of start-ups, corporations and multinationals with a technological profile. The commitment to the Port in this regard will continue with the creation of a training center in the field of innovation in artificial intelligence, digital skills and technologies and digital content demonstrators, at the service of SMEs and the research community. Moreover It is planned to function as a consultation area in the development of applications related to disruptive technologies.Like artificial intelligence itself, blockchain, big data, internet of things or 5G.
Agreement
This was reported this Monday after Consell’s general meeting gave the green light to the agreement with the Alicante Port Authority to make the former Amaro warehouses available to the Innovation Department. The aim is to save this abandoned residential area with a surface area exceeding 5,000 square meters.It is designed as a space where researchers can receive training, experiment and receive advice on innovative technologies, in an area close to the city and with good transport links.
The technical staff of the regional department, led by Nuria Montes, is working on the drafting of the technical conditions and requirements project. As the consultant himself stated, «It is an initiative with high social impactBecause it will accelerate the use of artificial intelligence-related technologies to reach different human profiles. And he adds that all this, on the one hand, offers “SMEs, which are the majority profile in the Valencian Community, especially research areas and transfer opportunities”, and on the other hand, “to raise awareness among citizens and educate them on this subject”. Advantages and dangers of new technologies.
In fact, one of the aims of the new technology center is to Digital skills training for youth and women to facilitate their employability and retention in the labor market.
Montes also advocated the importance of taking advantage of these port areas and transforming them into technological ecosystems that attract companies, research institutions, start-ups and entrepreneurial people, while also creating wealth in cities. And in this sense he argues: With this action «The Generalitat wants to strengthen the leadership of the Port of Alicante as the economic engine of the city and a center of attraction for companies».
The term of use of the former Amaro facilities will be 30 years, which can be extended for another five years. The Ministry will pay the annual amount of 61,324 Euros corresponding to the private use fee of the public area of the port.. The total amount will therefore be 2,146,340 euros, without taking into account the updates planned by the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda. In return, the Port Authority will give Consell a 4,623 square meter plot of land plus a 780 square meter access street. The project is also eligible to receive financing from the European Union (EU) through Fed Funds.
Source: Informacion
Emma Matthew is a political analyst for “Social Bites”. With a keen understanding of the inner workings of government and a passion for politics, she provides insightful and informative coverage of the latest political developments.