The premiere appearance of the Minister for New Innovation, Universities, Science and Digital Society in Parliament concluded without major announcements or surprises. Josephine Good signaled early on that she would pursue a steady, long‑term approach to directing the department she leads. Over the remaining year of the legislature, she plans to advance projects inherited from her predecessor, Carolina Pascual, while signaling a clear shift in leadership with the ministry now based in Alicante. She is not new to political life; her previous term placed her firmly within the Botànic coalition’s socialist wing, and from the podium she defended a policy agenda centered on the left. In her remarks, she emphasized a continued push for negotiations on a new multi‑year financing system for universities, with implementation slated for 2023, and she highlighted the need to address the historic debt owed to university centers. The policy package includes defending the scholarships system, promoting digitalization in both companies and public administrations, narrowing the digital divide, and expanding the Digital Zone technological hub as priorities for the coming year.
The opposition presented a tougher backdrop. The final term did away with the customary 100‑day grace period for new ministers, and critics pressed hard, arguing the administration was not competent. The minister faced these criticisms with composure, answering each challenge with measured, firm responses—calm, controlled, and resolute rather than shrill.
Josefina Bueno: “If something needs to be retouched so that AVI does not show any regional imbalances, we will”
In the university domain, the minister reaffirmed Consel’s clear commitment to broadening access to higher education for financially disadvantaged groups. The improvements to the scholarship system were highlighted, including a recent role where the program’s director served as a way to help students facing financial difficulties. Adjustments to eligibility have driven a 58% surge in applications, and while the opposition criticized the funding, a package of 18.8 million euros was allocated. Payments to beneficiaries can be delayed up to 689 days from the start of the academic year, reflecting ongoing fiscal pressures. Despite acknowledging that overdue debts to universities stood at 900 million euros, the minister stressed the need for more resources to speed up payments, noting that overall funding had risen by about 40% since 2014.
On digital transformation, Bueno outlined a multi‑part plan focused on building an “innovation culture”. The strategy highlights digitalization, automation, and artificial intelligence as central to job creation and the broader Valencian community, with targeted support for vulnerable groups. A yearly incentive of 240 euros to assist such groups was proposed, alongside measures to expand ICT access through social bonuses. Municipalities were urged to join the digital wave, with a two‑million‑euro call to fund local innovation and transformation projects. Ensuring broadband coverage across every corner of the community also featured prominently in the agenda.
The expansion of the Digital District remains a top priority, including a plan to establish offices across the region and to complete the new Pier 5 facility in the Port of Alicante as part of the project. There is also a stated intention to advance the Center for Aging Studies as a live project. In science, the Generalitat VaLER foundation is set to offer researchers from around the world permanent contracts within a framework of public procurement and international competition. The evaluation criteria will focus on research excellence, aiming to attract world‑class talent and strengthen the community’s research landscape.