Consell’s plenary session authorized Josefina Bueno, Minister for Innovation, Universities, Science and the Digital Society, to present Alicante’s nomination to host the competition on behalf of Consel, the regional government body. The proposal aligns with efforts to position the Valencian Community at the forefront of national strategy for emerging technologies, with the aim of establishing a central hub for artificial intelligence oversight within Alicante. The decision reflects a broader plan to attract the Spanish Artificial Intelligence Supervision Agency and to anchor its headquarters in the city, signaling a long-term commitment to advanced governance in AI.
According to the Generalitat, since the central government announced the decentralization of the Spanish AI Agency, Consell has been determined to attract this body to the Valencian Community and specifically to establish its headquarters in the city of Alicante. This push is grounded in a strategy to leverage Alicante’s existing strengths and to ensure that the agency benefits from robust regional infrastructure, a dynamic talent pool, and strong collaboration with public institutions. [Attribution: Generalitat] The move would integrate the agency into a regional ecosystem that values transparency, accountability, and innovative policy development in AI governance.
Alicante meets all established criteria such as the ease of connections and infrastructures, the presence of a strong university system specializing in Artificial Intelligence, a vibrant business fabric, and the broad support of public administrations. The regional government emphasizes that the city already hosts a number of research centers and higher education programs focused on machine learning, data science, and AI ethics, which would provide a solid foundation for immediate operations and long-term growth. [Attribution: Generalitat] This alignment is designed to ensure seamless collaboration with universities, industry partners, and municipal authorities, enabling swift deployment of the agency’s regulatory and supervisory functions.
10 strengths of Alicante to host Artificial Intelligence Agency
Therefore, Consell has authorized the Minister of Innovation to submit the request through the electronic center of the Ministry of Regional Policy, alongside Alicante’s commitments, with reports and documents justifying compliance with the required criteria. The nomination outlines a concrete plan to establish the Spanish Artificial Intelligence Supervision Agency as a pivotal regional institution, capable of coordinating oversight, research, and regulatory initiatives. [Attribution: Consell] The strategy also includes a clear timeline, governance framework, and phased milestones to ensure operational readiness from day one.
The deadline for submitting the application is the next 5 November. The Council of Ministers shall review the procedure for the appointment of the Agency’s headquarters, with a maximum term of six months for a final decision and formal assignment. This process is designed to balance thorough evaluation with timely action, reflecting the government’s intent to streamline administrative procedures without compromising due diligence. [Attribution: Ministry of Regional Policy]
Spanish Space Agency
On the other hand, Consell’s plenary also agreed to support Elche’s nomination to host the Spanish Space Agency. This parallel initiative demonstrates the region’s broader ambition to host key national science institutions that advance space exploration, aerospace innovation, and related technologies. [Attribution: Consell] The emphasis is on building a diversified research ecosystem that can attract investment, foster international collaboration, and strengthen the national science and technology agenda.
The mission of the European Space Agency is to promote research, technological development and innovation in space, national security and defense, operations in space, satellite applications, use of data provided by satellites, and the promotion of national industry in these areas. State and international coordination of Spanish space policy is planned in alignment with the policies and programs of the European Space Agency and the European Union, as well as other international organizations linked to research, development, and innovation policies. [Attribution: Consell] The initiative underscores a shared objective: to enhance the region’s capacity to contribute to space intelligence, satellite data utilization, and cross-border scientific collaborations that benefit both the public sector and private sector players.