-Innovation with impact: CEEI Elche drives purposeful projects from the heart of the entrepreneurial ecosystem
-AI and sustainability: technology and values at the service of a new way of doing business
CEEI Elche
Since their birth as a European model in the 1980s, BICs have evolved to become key nodes that connect talent, institutions and companies. In the Valencia Region, they are also an official support instrument of the Valencian Regional Government in the field of entrepreneurship.
Joaquín Alcázar Cano, director of the European Business and Innovation Centre (CEEI) in Elche, reflects on the changes that are transforming the entrepreneurial ecosystem. We talk to him about innovation, social entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence.
But what role does a CEEI play today? According to Alcázar, these centres are much more than incubation spaces: ‘We act as catalysts of the territory and innovation, facilitating the connection between entrepreneurs, companies, institutions and other key players in the ecosystem’.
Artificial intelligence, yes, but in a meaningful way
In a context of accelerated transformation, artificial intelligence also occupies a central place in CEEI Elche’s strategy. ‘We are not only integrating AI into our internal processes to optimise data and monitoring, we are also training the ecosystem to understand its potential as a driver of competitiveness and innovation,’ says the director.
One of the most ambitious bets is the development of CEEI Virtual, an AI-based assistance platform that will offer personalised support to entrepreneurs and companies in the growth or transformation phase.
“AI is a tool, not an end in itself. Our challenge is to bring it closer to entrepreneurs so that they can integrate it in an ethical, efficient and useful way into their business models,” he says.
Social entrepreneurship has a growing presence in innovation forums, but it still does not occupy the space it deserves in the general conversation. Why? For Joaquín Alcázar, director of the European Business and Innovation Centre (CEEI) in Elche, the reason is clear: “For years it has been assumed that companies exist only to generate economic benefits, and that social problems should be solved by NGOs or the public sector. This artificial separation has made purposeful entrepreneurship invisible.
In the wake of the pandemic crisis, many people and organisations have rethought their role in society. For Alcázar, “social entrepreneurship responds to this evolution. What has happened is that for a long time it has not been talked about enough because it seemed that entrepreneurship and social transformation were separate paths,” he says.
But this perception is changing. “Today it is better understood that hybrid models, which combine social impact with economic viability, are not only possible, but desirable. And we at CEEI are here to support these types of initiatives as well”.
Do you have an idea with impact? CEEI can help you
For those considering social entrepreneurship, Alcazar’s advice is clear: “Don’t be afraid to combine your vocation with your business. Think about how your idea can generate a real impact, how you can measure it and how you can make it economically sustainable”.
CEEI Elche offers comprehensive support: advice, training, strategic support, incubation and acceleration spaces, and connections with key players in the ecosystem.
‘Entrepreneurship with purpose is not only possible, it is increasingly necessary’, he concludes. ‘And at CEEI we are here to make it happen with you’.
This initiative is part of the Creactiva School, a space promoted by Jovesólides that fosters social entrepreneurship and innovation as drivers of change. It is funded by the Generalitat Valenciana through the First Vice-presidency and Regional Ministry of Social Services, Equality and Housing, from the 0.7% of personal income tax.
Follow all the news of the project through the hashtag #EscuelaCreactiva in all social networks. More information at escuelacreactiva.org
