On February 24, 2025, the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), in collaboration with the General Command of the Balearic Islands (COMGEBAL), held the Economy and Defense Conference: Benefits and Externalities of the R&D&I Ecosystem.

The event brought together experts in economics, innovation, and defense to analyze the impact of investment in R&D&I in this sector, its role in technological and economic development, opportunities for collaboration between the public and private sectors, and career prospects for civilians and university graduates.

The conference featured three presentations and a roundtable discussion, where the main challenges and opportunities at the intersection of economics, innovation, and defense were debated. Additionally, the event gathered students, researchers, and professionals and included speeches by prominent institutional figures such as the General Commander of the Balearic Islands, Fernando Gracia, the Vice-Rector for Strategic Planning, Internationalization, and Cooperation at UIB, Dr. Marcos Nadal, and the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Dr. José M. Carretero.

Guest Speakers:

• Luis Hernández Espínola – Head of the Innovation Subunit of the General Subdirectorate of Planning, Technology, and Innovation at the Ministry of Defense
• Dr. Natalia María Utrero González – Associate Professor, Polytechnic University of Valencia
• Dr. Francisco José Callado Muñoz – Associate Professor, University of Alicante

A recording of the event is available and can be accessed via this link.