Valencia Economic Outlook: AI Risks, Inflation, and Entrepreneurship

Business leaders at the “Los motores económicos de Valencia” event warned that agentic AI and rising inflation are creating significant risks for the economy. According to participants including José Rosell of S2 Grupo and Silvia Lázaro of Consum, the region faces a disconnect between positive macroeconomic data and the financial reality of struggling families.

The event, organized by Levante-EMV, Prensa Ibérica, and the economic supplement ‘activos’, gathered executives and entrepreneurs to debate the impact of geopolitical instability and disruptive technology on the Spanish and international economy.

Why is agentic AI considered a security risk?

José Rosell, president of S2 Grupo, stated that the world has shifted beyond generative AI toward “agentic AI.” Unlike generative AI, which responds to prompts, agentic AI consists of agents that can design and improve themselves, according to Rosell.

Rosell noted that the AI research firm Anthropic has suggested stopping the development of this technology. He expressed concern over “offensive AI,” which actively searches for technological vulnerabilities.

The digital world lacks the protection found in physical environments because borders do not exist, Rosell said. He argued that society has invested heavily in technology without a proportional investment in security.

Did You Know? Consum has observed a specific shift in protein consumption as families tighten budgets, moving from beef to chicken, and from chicken to eggs.

How is inflation affecting the average consumer?

Silvia Lázaro, director of Socio-Cliente and Marketing at Consum, identified a paradox between macroeconomic evolution and family reality. She stated that wage increases have not kept pace with inflation, leaving consumers more impoverished.

Lázaro reported a change in shopping habits, noting that customers are making more frequent visits to supermarkets with smaller baskets to avoid food waste and manage tight budgets.

The conflict in the Middle East is also impacting the distribution sector. Lázaro stated that while energy supply remains stable, the war has significantly increased transport costs, which are a key expense for the company.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that the transition to agentic AI represents a fundamental shift in risk management. When software can autonomously iterate its own code to find vulnerabilities, the traditional “patch-and-protect” cycle may become obsolete, potentially forcing a total redesign of digital sovereignty.

What are the economic strengths of the Valencia region?

José Vicente Morata, president of the Valencia Chamber of Commerce, attributed the region’s competitiveness to its strategic Mediterranean location and its energy mix. He also cited the network of universities and technology parks as key assets in the knowledge economy.

Intent Security for Agentic AI: Real-Time Threat Detection

Amaya Fernández, representing Quimacova, Irysem, and Nunsys, expressed optimism about the local chemical sector. She noted that while basic chemistry is declining across Europe, Valencia remains strong in technical and specialty chemistry.

What obstacles do startups face in Spain?

Four entrepreneurs supported by Juan Roig’s Lanzadera program argued that they require fewer obstacles rather than government subsidies. Jesús Cortina, founder of kliniKOS, identified barriers coming from both public administration and the banking sector.

Clara Haba, founder of Your Friends Are Boring, echoed the sentiment that removing barriers is more critical than receiving aid. Meanwhile, Empar Hoyo of Voira noted a lack of prominent startup referentes compared to those found in large established companies.

Rodrigo Manrique, CEO of Veiko, argued that public education in Spain lacks startup knowledge in vocational training. He suggested this knowledge is currently reserved for wealthy families and called for the public system to include startup education.

Regarding future growth, Manrique stated he intends to transition from an entrepreneur to a solid business owner. Other challenges mentioned by Cortina include the difficulty of attracting talent within a globalized market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between generative and agentic AI?
According to José Rosell, generative AI responds to user questions, while agentic AI consists of agents that can design and improve themselves.

How has the Middle East conflict affected the distribution sector?
Silvia Lázaro of Consum stated that the conflict has had a direct impact on increasing transport costs, which are a key part of the company’s operating expenses.

What do entrepreneurs in the Lanzadera program want from the administration?
Entrepreneurs such as Jesús Cortina and Clara Haba stated they do not want subsidies, but rather the removal of barriers and obstacles from the administration and banks.

Do you believe the risks of agentic AI outweigh the potential economic benefits?