The Valencian Government’s Strategy for Digitization and Cyber Security Unveiled
Last July, the Valencian Government announced a strategic shift with the appointment of Carolina Pascual, a respected professor from the University of Alicante, as Presidential Commissioner for Digitization and Cyber Security. A native of Elche, Pascual is known for her innovation work and had previously served as Minister of Innovation. While many welcomed the appointment, some observers questioned whether the new role would duplicate existing duties or overlap with other ministries. The move was framed under the Treasury Ministry and described as a cornerstone for modernizing the Generalitat of Valencia.
Shortly after regional elections, the Public Official Gazette published an amendment to the Strategic Plan for Presidential Grants, outlining new credit lines. Among the updates is the creation of strategic objective number 11, proposing an 85,000 euro economic grant in collaboration with the University of Alicante, where Pascual holds a permanent professorship.
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The presidency emphasized that the available financial instrument remains the main tool to support these reforms. The commission’s footprint remains small, with compensation arranged through decrees naming Pascual and the head of the Mental Health Commission, Rafael Tabares, illustrating a broader strategy of appointing top experts without direct salaries in some cases.
The administration has made cyber security a top priority, recognizing the importance of digital resilience after disruptions to health and care systems during the pandemic. The commissioner will not receive a salary but will guide actions and studies deemed essential by the regional government to address this issue.
The Communication Plan and Digital Policy Initiatives
Although the appointment originated from a direct push by the president, Pascual has not yet met publicly with the Department of Innovation. The aim is to advance digital policy that reaches residents and helps close the digital divide. How the agreement will be carried out remains a priority, and attempts to contact the University of Alicante professor were hampered by travel constraints.
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The presidency clarified that the commission’s purpose is to study the Valencian Community, especially the Generalitat, in relation to digital policies. It will produce studies and reports to guide improvements, as outlined in the decree issued on July 25, 2022. As part of establishing the Presidency’s Commission for Digitization and Cybersecurity, administrative support and material resources have been identified through budget programs of the Generalitat Presidency. The new funding line enables the commission to pursue its strategic targets more effectively.
Concurrently, the presidency has activated additional initiatives deemed essential, including expanded mental health measures. A program allocating 95,000 euros will support broader dissemination of these efforts, with a cooperation agreement involving the University of Valencia and collaborators, including Manuel Broseta, backed by a 10,000-euro contribution managed by a foundation named after the respected professor.
Directed attention to Tourism and direct funding to municipalities
Direct funding lines include 200,000 euros to outfit the San Vicente del Raspeig Cultural Center through a partnership with the Federation of Municipalities of Valencia. Other allocations include 30,000 euros for tourism promotion by the Xixona City Council, 40,000 euros for the promotion of Novelda and its modernist products, and 50,000 euros for Onil’s town hall to advance the Valle del Juguete initiative. Additional support includes 50,000 euros for Relleu to enhance tourist resources, and 270,000 euros earmarked for the three Marina Alta associations to strengthen regional tourism. An extra 40,000 euros supported Orihuela’s Moorish and Christian festivities, while 690,000 euros were directed to the Alicante City Council for Soles Repsol awards. These allocations reflect a coordinated effort to align cultural, economic, and tourism goals with digital and modernization strategies.
[Citation: Valencian Government press release on the Digitization and Cybersecurity Commission and related funding updates]