Alicante has presented its candidacy for the title of European Capital of Innovation 2027 before a jury from the European Commission. The city is competing against five other semifinalists: Madrid, Valencia, Manchester (UK), Montpellier (France), and Tallinn (Estonia).
The presentation took place via teleconference from the Innovation Department's conference room, where the team showcased the city's advancements in innovation and its potential as a medium-sized urban laboratory for sustainable solutions aimed at improving quality of life.
Leading the delegation was Mayor Luis Barcala, alongside key figures such as Marian Cano, the regional Minister of Industry, Tourism, Innovation and Commerce, and Nuria Oliver, scientific director of the Ellis Foundation. Other notable participants included Esteban Pelayo, director of the Scientific Park of the University of Alicante, and representatives from various local innovation initiatives.
“Alicante plays in the top league of innovation in Europe,” said Barcala, emphasising the city's achievements and the support it has received from the province and the broader Alicante-Elche functional area.
The presentation highlighted numerous projects and statistics that reflect the work done in innovation in recent years, particularly since the launch of the municipal innovation strategy, Alicante Futura. The team focused on Alicante's potential as a testing ground for innovative governance and public service solutions, such as the virtual assistant ALI and the Smart City Alicante programme, which have attracted interest from other cities, including Madrid and Barcelona, as well as international cities like those in Mexico.
Among the projects defended were the La Marjal floodable park, which recently won the European Bauhaus award for sustainability, circularity, and innovation, as well as initiatives aimed at cultural innovation and the citizen laboratory Cilab.
“Our candidacy, articulated through the municipal strategy Alicante Futura, highlights the efforts in innovation being made at both public and private levels in our city,” added Mari Carmen de España, the councillor responsible for Impulsalicante.
The jury will select three finalists from the six candidates, with the announcement scheduled for 22 October. This recognition as semifinalists for the second consecutive year is seen as a historic milestone for Alicante, validating the city's ongoing commitment to innovation over nearly a decade.
The progress made under the Alicante Futura strategy and the Municipal Agency for Investment Attraction (ALIA), alongside the integration of the Urban Agenda Alicante 2030 and the Alicante Smart City programme, has positioned Alicante as a leader in innovation among Mediterranean and European cities.
