Josefina Bueno: If something needs to be retouched so that AVI doesn’t show regional imbalances, it will be addressed
This episode marks the moment when the newly appointed Minister for Innovation, Universities, Science and Digital Society signaled a readiness to recalibrate the Valencia Innovation Agency to prevent regional distortions. The intent was clear: if adjustments are required to ensure fair representation, they would be made. The new leadership, led by Josefina Bueno, began with a direct line of contact to Andrés García Reche, the department’s vice president, setting the stage for a candid discussion about how resources are allocated across communities. The conversation underscored ongoing concerns about past distribution patterns that critics argued favored certain areas while leaving Alicante with less favorable treatment.
The recent appeal by AVI to support universities, research groups, and companies drew sharp scrutiny over how funds were allocated. In Alicante, the outcomes were notably uneven, with the region receiving only 16.8 percent of the total. In monetary terms, 8,807,091 euros flowed to Alicante, while 83.2 percent, amounting to 43,535,522 euros, went to the broader Valencia and Castellón area combined. The disparity sparked widespread commentary from political opposition and from the organizations that benefited from the funding, fueling a broader conversation about regional equity in public investment.
The matter resonated throughout the tenure of the previous administration under Carolina Pascual and became a focal point during the transition to the new leadership. The current minister, aiming to prevent a recurrence, indicated in a recent interview with Information that a meeting with Andrés García Reche would be used to review and, if necessary, adjust the allocation framework so that no region is unfairly disadvantaged. The emphasis was on practical fixes rather than assigning blame, with an eye toward transparent and balanced policy execution.
Josefina Bueno explains the stance on regional balance within AVI
This high-level contact occurred on a Friday and was described as the first step in identifying priority issues for the weeks ahead. The minister had the opportunity to engage with AVI’s staff, who impressed observers with their youthful energy and strong commitment, including a notable representation of women in the organization.
Among the topics discussed, Bueno expressed strong interest in AVI’s outreach efforts and ongoing initiatives. In response, Reche outlined the agency’s series of meetings with universities across the Community to provide detailed information about each program and to solicit feedback and suggestions from stakeholders. This collaborative approach was framed as a pathway to refine the agency’s actions and align them more closely with regional needs.
Reche also reported on the portfolio of AVI projects and achievements in Alicante, highlighting an impact of more than 17 million euros across about eighty beneficiary organizations. The discussion covered several practical examples, including the development of reusable containers produced from biopolymers in collaboration with ITC, the deployment of rapid diagnostic tests with Aguas de Alicante, the Universidad de Alicante, and Integrated Genetic to detect bacteria in reclaimed water, and the creation of antimicrobial fabrics and products derived from natural extracts. The discussion touched on plant-related initiatives with entities such as Pascual and Bernabeu, Korott, and Centrum Pharmaceutical Specialties, illustrating the breadth of AVI’s maritime of projects and the real-world applications benefiting the region.