Aiming to strengthen the productive model of the Valencian Community, with its headquarters in Alicante, the Valencia Innovation Agency has decided to renew the annual helpline within the Evaluation and Transfer of Research Results Program. This edition saw projects from Alicante’s universities and research centers perform notably better than the previous year. Overall, the province secured a quarter of the total funding from the autonomous program, which totals nearly 4.5 million euros, a smaller share than the 6 percent recorded in 2021. The Valencian Community as a whole received about 68 percent of all subsidies, making it the most successful region in terms of aid distribution, though the share was somewhat lower than last year when it captured at least 90 percent of the aid under this public law framework that operates under the Generalitat.
Data from the Ministry of Innovation, Universities, Science and Digital Society indicates that in this special call the national total will include about one euro in four, amounting to just over 1.11 billion euros, versus more than three million allocated to Valencia’s projects alone. Castellón is slated to receive around 7 percent of the total, marking a three percent increase from last year. In monetary terms, that’s just over 312,000 euros.
The limited rate of success for Alicante universities and research centers in 2021 triggered a wave of criticism across academic, political, and social circles the following summer. Of the 52.3 million euros distributed by AVI as subsidies to university centers and companies within the Community, Alicante received only 8.8 million euros. While the Department of the Branch insisted that aid was granted through competitive processes rather than regional distribution, subsequent data suggested the need to address the imbalance. The regulatory bases have not changed, but the Innovation field has rolled out a shock plan that includes holding information and follow-up meetings with universities and companies in the two most affected provinces. The fund allocation strategy is designed to boost success rates by funding projects that meet AVI’s criteria, a goal the Ministry emphasizes with renewed effort. As the Recovery program data shows, Alicante achieved a 33 percent success rate for funded actions this cycle, up from 12 percent the previous year.
The minister notes that the province is raising its success rate thanks to the diligent work of its universities, with UA standing just behind the Polytechnic University of Valencia in influence and impact.
Positive cooperation
The minister highlights ongoing preparations with AVI and identifies two strong universities, UA and UMH, as clear beneficiaries of this collaborative approach. The progress will be reinforced through continued joint efforts between AVI, the Ministry, and the universities involved. This collaboration is now a tangible reality.
Looking ahead, a full assessment will come in September when results from the two largest calls are anticipated to offer a comprehensive view of AVI’s fund distribution for the year. The latest announcements cover the four of six-year programs that promote and strengthen the autonomous region’s innovation system, with 103 projects financed across the Community totaling 14.5 million euros.
Distinguished by excellence in health biotechnology
AVI’s program this year enables the expansion of the Scientific Business Innovation Units network across centers of research excellence, including the Miguel Hernández University Institute for Research, Development and Innovation in Health Biotechnology. The official report notes that 3.5 million euros were awarded to hire a total of 23 innovation representatives at universities, research centers, and business associations.