They say childhood experiences shape the future. This rings true for Josefina Bueno, appointed as the new Minister of Regional Innovation. Her early years in France were shaped not by politics but by economic pressures that forced her family to move from Vega Baja to Paris, a journey that would influence her worldview and later public service.
Consell chairman Ximo Puig selected Josefina Bueno to replace Carolina Pascual in the Department of Innovation, Universities, Science and Digital Society. This choice rests on a long career in academia and public service. Bueno began as a professor of French Philology at the University of Alicante after a distinguished run as a full professor at the University of Alicante, later taking on roles that connected higher education with regional policy. Her path included leadership positions within the Generalitat and the University Extension Secretariat, and she helped direct the Alicante City University Space alongside colleagues who shaped the university scene in the region.
Her drive to join politics emerged from a personal history as a child of immigrants and from experiences that highlighted social disparities. Bueno herself notes that hardship and distance from home can sharpen awareness of the challenges facing the less advantaged, fueling a commitment to feminism and equality. The push from Ximo Puig came after careful consideration; at first, she was hesitant about a provincial list, but the Botànic framework at the Generalitat ultimately led her to accept a higher role, with responsibilities tied to education and university administration. Her trajectory has since culminated in a seat in the Senate and a leadership focus on equality and innovation.
The move to the Ministry marked a new chapter. The aim is not only to maintain the status quo but to deepen the impact of the department within regional governance. Bueno emphasizes a sense of accountability as she returns to her home city at the helm of a ministry she regards as essential for Alicante and the surrounding province. This sense of purpose reflects her history and her belief that public policy should directly serve citizens and communities. [Source: Valencian Government]
The task ahead is not light. Previous ministerial teams, including Carolina Pascual and her colleagues, have completed important work, yet there is a broad agenda to push forward. Bueno stresses a shared responsibility and a clear commitment to the city and its people. She frames the ministry as a channel through which Generalitat policies reach citizens, offering a straightforward pathway for communities to voice needs and see tangible results.
Josefina Bueno, the new Minister of Innovation, arrives at a moment when visibility and clarity in regional programs matter more than ever. The department is poised to become a central instrument of government action. In a climate of political discontent, the public seeks to feel ownership over policy and a direct line to state-backed programs. The minister argues that Digital Zone initiatives will continue to expand, universities will receive necessary funding, and the digital divide will be aggressively addressed. The horizon is challenging, but Bueno is ready to devote her energy to these priorities.
Josefina Bueno, the new Minister of Innovation
With a focus on renewing regional leadership, the administration intends to advance projects that make the digital economy more accessible and that support universities in delivering world-class education. The minister envisions a system where citizens can easily engage with government efforts, understand policy goals, and find channels to express their needs. The emphasis on digital inclusion and university funding remains central, along with a broader agenda of research and innovation that aligns with national and European priorities. [Source: Regional Council]
The coming months will test the readiness of the administration to implement these ambitions. Bueno believes that the department must act as a conduit for ideas that originate in local communities and translate them into practical programs. Her leadership aims to ensure that innovations reach schools, laboratories, and regional businesses, reinforcing the region’s capacity to compete and grow in a rapidly changing landscape. The focus is on sustainable, inclusive progress that benefits all residents.
The minister contends that the work cannot be seen in isolation. It must be connected to education, science, and digital policy, creating a coherent strategy that serves Alicante and the broader region. The promise is to maintain momentum, improve collaboration across institutions, and keep citizens at the center of policy decisions.