The president of the Cabildo de La Palma, Sergio Rodríguez, held a crucial meeting with Joaquín Hernández, director of PLOCAN, and Octavio Caraballo, vice-counselor of the Presidency Cabinet of the Government of the Canary Islands. The discussion focused on defining the role of the blue economy within the new knowledge and innovation ecosystem to be led by the island institution.
During the working session, the establishment of the Interuniversity Center of La Palma was discussed. This academic project, spearheaded by the University of La Laguna (ULL), will actively involve various scientific entities based on the island. Sergio Rodríguez emphasized that the primary goal is for this infrastructure to transcend mere academia and become a true engine for generating innovation and economic activity.
PLOCAN, which provided essential technical support after the volcanic eruption, is now entering a new phase focused on creating innovative and business projects related to the sea. The alliance between the Cabildo and the Platform aims to establish a space for oceanic innovation, leveraging PLOCAN's current experimentation with cutting-edge technologies that find an exceptional laboratory on La Palma's coasts.
“"We want La Palma to become an international benchmark for the blue economy. PLOCAN's work is now shifting towards job creation and diversification, ensuring that scientific knowledge translates into real projects that add value to our Island."
The meeting also highlighted the need for scientific and technological work to be diversified equitably across all islands of the archipelago. In this context, the Interuniversity Center aims to attract investment and talent, enabling La Palma to lead specific areas of marine research and oceanic technology.
To achieve this, the Blue Innovation Centre (BIC) is being designed, an innovative space to be located in the Port of Tazacorte. This center will promote entrepreneurship, specialized training, job creation, and the development of new technologies in the sector.
With this impetus, the Cabildo de La Palma and the Government of the Canary Islands reinforce their commitment to an economic model based on science and sustainability, positioning the island as a strategic enclave for the development of the blue economy in the Atlantic.
