Josefina Bueno, who serves as the Minister for Innovation, Universities, Science and Digital Society, attended the morning briefing alongside the Minister for Science and Innovation. At a conference titled Science and Innovation, present and future opportunities, the speaker underscored the critical moment of transitioning toward a new economic model. This model rests on two sturdy pillars: advancing the knowledge economy and accelerating digital transformation. The message was clear and resonate: science and research must be the central axis powering the region’s development. The emphasis was on building a robust, future-ready framework that can sustain growth and improve the lives of citizens across the region.
Minister’s effort
Josefina Bueno expressed gratitude for the ongoing support and praised the ministerial initiative that proposes a new Science, Technology and Innovation Act. The minister highlighted that such a law would give the public more guarantees and rights, while simultaneously strengthening the scientific community. The act would also promote a refreshed postdoctoral pathway designed to stabilize researchers, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent and opportunity for early-career scientists. The aim is to foster continuity in research careers and to create an ecosystem where curiosity meets practical impact.
In addressing the audience, the minister outlined the commitments of the Valencia Community to science, innovation, and research. She noted that in the coming year the region would allocate substantial funding to bolster R and D programs, with a dedicated sum to support innovation management and technical training. This investment is positioned as a lever that can elevate the region’s economic and social development, reinforcing the role of science and innovation as strategic drivers for progress. The message was direct: sustained funding signals a clear intent to empower researchers, institutions, and industry partners to collaborate for meaningful outcomes.
The discussion also touched on the challenges and opportunities faced by Alicante, with a candid acknowledgment that bringing innovation to the city requires resilience and ongoing commitment. The minister emphasized that there is no room for retreat in the face of obstacles, highlighting a long-term view that prioritizes sustained investment, talent development, and regional collaboration to ensure a vibrant innovation landscape.
The minister’s approach to talent and investment
One notable example of the administration’s strategy is the support directed toward talented researchers who are pursuing opportunities to attract, retain, and cultivate top talent through programs such as GenT. This initiative has accumulated substantial backing, including generous donations that bolster its endowment and enable ambitious research agendas to move forward. Through these efforts, the Research Foundation for Excellence, known for its focus on high-impact science, has built a foundation that helps researchers navigate the early and mid-career stages, enabling them to pursue ambitious projects with greater stability and resources.
Botanical energy and a shared direction
When discussing the Botanic Government’s investments, Josefina Bueno pointed out that talent remains a central priority. The administration seeks to align policy with practical outcomes that promote inclusive talent retention and broaden participation across the scientific ecosystem. The goal is to welcome anyone who can contribute to excellence, enriching both research and innovation with diverse perspectives and skill sets. The minister’s remarks highlighted a commitment to cutting-edge initiatives that turn intellectual capacity into tangible social and economic gains.
Concluding remarks stressed a shared course of action between the national government and the Generalitat Valenciana. Both authorities are aligned in recognizing the need to strengthen the science and innovation system as a catalyst for social transformation and for fortifying the region’s productive fabric. The overarching message is one of coordinated effort and sustained momentum, ensuring that scientific progress translates into broader benefits for society and the economy alike.