In Alicante’s civic forums, a chorus of local and regional voices converged to reinforce a bold plan: the province could become the home of Spain’s new state artificial intelligence agency. The gathering, which brought together public institutions, universities, business groups, and civic leaders, culminated in a formal pledge of support directed to the Generalitat Valenciana. The moment captured a shared belief that the province offers a robust ecosystem for research, innovation, and enterprise—a foundation seen as essential for anchoring a national AI hub. The declaration was accompanied by a clear message of readiness to cooperate with both the Valencian regional government and the central authorities in Madrid, with the aim of situating the agency within Alicante as a cornerstone of Spain’s digital future. The participants underscored the importance of translating academic insight, industry experience, and public policy into practical, scalable AI initiatives that can benefit citizens, workers, and local businesses alike. The collective stance reflected confidence that Alicante’s universities, chambers of commerce, and technology centers can contribute to a cohesive strategy that aligns regional strengths with national objectives. The statement was framed as a step toward establishing a stable, collaborative environment where public institutions and private entities can partner to accelerate AI research, talent development, and responsible deployment. The signatories emphasized the need for a seamless interface among universities, industry, and government, ensuring that research outcomes translate into real-world applications, accessible and beneficial to the broader community. The conversation around the initiative also highlighted the province’s proven track record in higher education and technological development, which is seen as a strong signal to the central authorities about Alicante’s capacity to host a major AI program. Local stakeholders reiterated their intention to maintain ongoing dialogue with policymakers, ensuring that regional perspectives inform national AI policy while benefiting from national investments and frameworks. The fusion of academic excellence, entrepreneurial activity, and public support creates a compelling case for Alicante as a strategic location for the new AI agency, promising job creation, advanced training opportunities, and a platform for collaborative innovation across borders.
The call to position Alicante as the candidate for the AI agency reflects a broader belief in the province’s ability to act as a bridge between research institutions and the marketplace. By coordinating with universities such as those in Alicante and nearby institutions, as well as with the Alicante Digital Intelligence Center and other regional bodies, the effort aims to build a resilient network that can attract talent, foster startup growth, and attract national and international investment. Executives and academics alike view the initiative as a catalyst for high-impact AI projects that address real-world needs, from smart city solutions to data-driven public services. The plan also stresses the importance of governance frameworks that balance innovation with ethical considerations, privacy safeguards, and transparency in AI deployment. With Alicante positioned at the center of this collaboration, the strategy envisions a pathway to capacity-building programs, research infrastructure, and cross-sector partnerships that can accelerate the maturation of AI technologies from lab to market. The overarching objective is not only to establish a geographic hub but to cultivate a vibrant community that can sustain long-term growth and resilience in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. This approach seeks to align regional ambitions with national priorities, ensuring that the benefits of AI investment are felt across the Valencian Community and beyond.