Mañueco Emphasizes Board’s Commitment to Innovation and Internationalization, Stresses Critical Role of Companies in Economic Development

Castilla y León Sees Record Exports and Innovation Surge

Valladolid, Spain – September 18, 2025 – The region of Castilla y León is experiencing a period of notable economic expansion, exceeding previous export records and solidifying its position as a leader in innovation within the European Union. President Alfonso Fernández Mañueco highlighted these achievements, underscoring the regional government’s commitment to supporting businesses and fostering growth.

The community’s export figures have surpassed last year’s historical high, and current trends point toward further gains. Together, Castilla y León leads the EU in innovation increases between 2018 and 2025, ranking among the top five regions in Spain for both technological investment and research and advancement spending per capita.

Looking ahead, regional budgets are set to prioritize continued support for local businesses. This will include tax reductions, direct financial assistance, and efforts to improve access to affordable industrial space.

“We remain committed to internationalization and innovation as core tenets of our economic strategy,” stated President Mañueco during a commemorative event for tecopysa and Cotesa, two companies celebrating 40 and 25 years respectively. These organizations exemplify the region’s drive to generate wealth and employment through technological advancement.

The Tecopy Group, employing 250 professionals in multiple locations, champions innovation and has successfully expanded its operations into 20 countries, demonstrating the potential Castilla y León offers for investment and global reach.

The successes of companies like Tecopy underscore Castilla y León’s strength in engineering, technology, and training, with optimism for continued expansion and growth.

How does the Junta de Castilla y León’s increased R&D funding prioritize specific sectors for innovation?

Mañueco Emphasizes Board’s Commitment to Innovation and Internationalization, stresses Critical Role of Companies in Economic Growth

Driving Regional Growth Through Strategic Investment

Recent statements by Alfonso mañueco, President of the Junta de Castilla y León, underscore a firm commitment from the regional board to fostering both innovation and internationalization as key pillars of economic development. Mañueco consistently highlights the indispensable role companies – from established enterprises to burgeoning startups – play in achieving lasting regional prosperity. This isn’t merely rhetoric; it’s backed by concrete initiatives and a revised strategic framework focused on attracting investment and bolstering the competitiveness of local businesses.

The core message revolves around recognizing that economic growth in Castilla y León is inextricably linked to the ability of its companies to innovate, expand into new markets, and adapt to the evolving global landscape. This strategy directly addresses challenges like rural depopulation and aims to create high-quality employment opportunities within the region.

Key Pillars of the Innovation Strategy

Mañueco’s administration is prioritizing several key areas to stimulate innovation:

* R&D Funding: Increased investment in research and development projects, particularly those with the potential for commercialization. This includes grants, tax incentives, and support for collaborative research between universities and businesses. Focus areas include agri-food technology, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy.

* Digital Transformation: accelerating the digital transformation of businesses through programs offering training,consulting,and financial assistance for adopting new technologies like AI,cloud computing,and big data analytics.The goal is to enhance productivity and efficiency across all sectors.

* Startup Ecosystem Development: Strengthening the startup ecosystem by providing access to funding, mentorship, and incubation programs. This includes initiatives like the “Impulsa Emprende” programme, designed to support early-stage ventures.

* Technological Infrastructure: Investing in state-of-the-art technological infrastructure, including high-speed internet access and advanced research facilities, to create a conducive surroundings for innovation.

Internationalization: Expanding Global Reach

Recognizing the limitations of relying solely on domestic markets, the board is aggressively pursuing an internationalization strategy. This involves:

* Export Support: Providing comprehensive support to companies seeking to export thier products and services, including market research, trade missions, and assistance with navigating international regulations.

* Foreign Investment Attraction: Actively attracting foreign investment by showcasing the region’s competitive advantages, such as its strategic location, skilled workforce, and favorable business climate. Target sectors include automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy.

* Strategic Partnerships: Forging strategic partnerships with international organizations and businesses to facilitate trade, investment, and technology transfer.

* Promoting Castilla y León as a Destination: Elevating the region’s profile as a desirable destination for business and tourism through targeted marketing campaigns and participation in international trade fairs.

The Role of Companies: A Collaborative Approach

Mañueco consistently emphasizes that the success of these initiatives hinges on the active participation of companies. The board isn’t simply dictating policy; it’s fostering a collaborative environment were businesses are actively involved in shaping the region’s economic future.

This collaboration takes several forms:

1. Industry Advisory Councils: Establishing industry advisory councils to provide input on policy development and ensure that government initiatives are aligned with the needs of businesses.
2. public-Private Partnerships: Promoting public-private partnerships to leverage the expertise and resources of both sectors.
3. Direct Engagement: Regularly engaging with business leaders through forums, workshops, and one-on-one meetings to gather feedback and address concerns.

Case Study: The Automotive Sector in Castilla y León

The automotive sector provides a compelling example of the board’s strategy in action. Castilla y León is home to several major automotive manufacturers and suppliers.The regional government has actively supported the sector through investments in R&D, workforce training, and infrastructure improvements. this has helped to attract new investment, create jobs, and enhance the competitiveness of the region’s automotive industry. Specifically, the support for the development of electric vehicle components and battery technology demonstrates a proactive approach to future-proofing the sector.

Benefits of the Regional Strategy

The anticipated benefits of this focused approach are ample:

* Economic Growth: Increased economic growth and job creation.

* Enhanced Competitiveness: Improved competitiveness of local businesses in global markets.

* Regional Development: Reduced regional disparities and revitalized rural areas.

* Innovation Ecosystem: A thriving innovation ecosystem that attracts talent and investment.

* Sustainable Development: A more sustainable and resilient regional economy.

Practical Tips for Businesses

Companies in Castilla y León looking to capitalize on these opportunities should consider the following:

* Explore Funding Opportunities: Actively research and apply for available grants and incentives.

* Invest in Digital Transformation: Embrace digital technologies to improve efficiency and competitiveness.

* Seek International Expansion: Explore opportunities to expand into new markets.

* Engage with the Board: Participate in industry advisory councils and other forums to provide input on policy development.