Albares analyses Asia’s technological advances and opportunities for Spain in Barcelona

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, opened the round table entitled The Asian Wave of Innovation: The Challenge Redefining Europe's Future in Barcelona this Tuesday. The event, organised by Casa Asia at the Palau Macaya of the "la Caixa" Foundation, explored the technological advances of China, Japan, South Korea and other major Asian economies. Albares also highlighted Spain's commitment to an agenda focused on shared prosperity, economic security and support for the internationalisation of businesses, universities and research centres.

During his address, the Minister stressed that this is "a highly relevant issue, full of opportunities for our country, our science and innovation and our businesses". In this regard, he highlighted the importance of Europe strengthening its position in strategic sectors at a time when Asia is consolidating its role as one of the world's leading centres of innovation.

Albares stressed that Asia is leading the technological agenda of the 21st century and that Europe must respond to this challenge by combining competitiveness, investment in R&D and international cooperation. "Spain looks outwards, including towards Asia, extending a hand to our partners in the Asia-Pacific region to seek innovative solutions to shared challenges such as the green transition, digital transformation and international peace and security," the Minister said.

This meeting is being held following the approval, at the end of 2025, of the Asia-Pacific Strategy, which was presented in Barcelona and places innovation at the heart of Spanish foreign policy action in the region. Albares stressed that "these frameworks build trust, a key element in promoting investment, scientific cooperation and stronger political and economic relations".

​The Minister highlighted Spain's position as a key player in the global innovation ecosystem. Europe remains the region with the strongest representation in the leading international rankings, with 19 economies among the world's 30 most innovative, including Spain. In this context, the Minister highlighted the country's progress, including the strengthening of its technological and connectivity infrastructure and sustained growth in investment in R&D, all of which make Spain an attractive partner for Asia's leading technological powers.

The round table also featured the participation of institutional representatives including José Pintor, Director General of Casa Asia; Joan Rosás, Director of International Institutional Relations at CaixaBank; and Pep Ollé, Director of Palau Macaya. The discussion also featured contributions from experts Manuela Delgado, Luis Galán Lozano and Rafael Galán del Río, and was moderated by Julio Ceballos.

This event forms part of a series of round tables organised by Casa Asia to foster discussion on the Asia-Pacific region's growing role. Following an initial session focused on geopolitical issues, this second edition explored innovation and technology, while a third is planned to examine sustainability and Asia's impact on global climate policy.

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