Support for sectoral clusters aims to lift the Valencian Community’s industry to 20% of GDP, up from the current 16%. This is a central pillar of the reindustrialization strategy outlined by the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism. Alicante’s productive segments, including footwear, toys and textiles, will be given a special role through economic and promotional measures. The road map also commits to renewable energy and administrative simplification as foundational steps.
Led by Nuria Montes, the department seeks to strengthen the industrial weight in the regional economy while promoting technological innovation, export capacity and the sophistication of production processes. As the councilor emphasized, discussions have begun to secure consensus among the relevant agencies to approve the reindustrialization strategy for the period 2024 to 2028.
Regional department sources explain that the plan centers on policies that foster sectoral clusters in line with European Union guidelines. The strategy includes supporting industrial SMEs’ investments in intangible assets to modernize production capabilities and reinforcing the relational fabric and positioning of clusters as proven hubs of technological innovation.
At the same time, the initiative will help companies adapt to the circular economy and accelerate the energy transition through measures and incentives that promote efficiency, self-consumption, storage, renewable air conditioning and electric mobility.
The plan highlights sectors closely tied to Alicante, such as footwear with a strong presence in Elche, Elda and Petrer; toys in Foia de Castalla; and textiles represented in l’Alcoià, El Comtat and the Vall d’Albaida. With the support of a large factory project in Sagunt, the automotive and ceramic industries centered in Castellón will also play a fundamental role.
Sustainability
The reindustrialization plan integrates additional initiatives focused on sustainability and renewable energy. The Ministry notes that the region hosts cutting-edge companies in solar panel storage and production and should lead the country’s energy transition. In this framework, the Valencia green hydrogen initiative, which includes main actors and sectors related to hydrogen production and potential use, will receive support.
Consell aims to unblock funds and streamline processes for solar energy, targeting a more efficient regulatory environment for projects.
Furthermore, the Ministry underscores that discussions with key sector players are ongoing to finalize the scheme in early 2025. The collaboration seeks to remove bottlenecks and shorten processing times for permits and licenses related to energy projects.
The department, under Nuria Montes, notes that stakeholder engagement during the strategy’s development was extensive, aiming to close the framework within the early months of the following year.
Tourism and Ciudad de la Luz
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Officials of the Department of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism believe that Ciudad de la Luz studios in Alicante could become a major tourist attraction. The regional department states that investing in these facilities would generate substantial economic impact beyond the film sector, benefiting multiple industries when positioned as a tourism target.
The Ministry plans to continue supporting travel vouchers to counter seasonality and to introduce the Crea Turisme program, expanding the offer with experiences such as the Silk Road, the Grail Route, wine and ecotourism, as well as sports activities. Tourism linked to major venues like Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciéncies and large international event management will also be encouraged. An emphasis will be placed on reducing illegal tourist accommodations due to their negative social and economic effects.