CTA (Andalusian Technology Corporation) has held a tribute event for Mikel Landabaso, Director of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission (EC) in Seville. The event brought together more than 60 representatives from the innovation ecosystem, several of whom offered words of public recognition in his honour.

Those who took the floor to pay tribute to Landabaso included the Regional Minister for University, Research, Innovation and Industry, Jorge Paradela; CTA Chairman, Beltrán Pérez; the Secretary General for External Action and the European Union of the Regional Government of Andalusia, Enric Millo; Senator and former Mayor of Seville, Juan Espadas; spokesperson for the Socialist Group in Seville City Council and former Mayor of the city, Antonio Muñoz; Seville City Council’s Councillor for European Funding, Fernando Mañes; the Managing Director of Sevilla TechPark, Luis Pérez; University of Seville professor and President of the Andalusian Council of the European Movement, Marycruz Arcos; and the Director of Sustainability and Innovation at Emasesa, Francisco José Juan.

During the event, moderated by Boleo Global consultant Jesús Bores-Lazo, speakers highlighted Mikel Landabaso’s outstanding personal and professional qualities, emphasising his positive attitude, approachability and cordiality. Participants particularly underlined his ability to listen, his constant willingness to engage in dialogue, and his open and collaborative mindset, as well as his strong commitment to the region. His firm support for Seville and Andalusia was widely recognised, notably through initiatives and agreements that have helped strengthen the region’s role within Europe and create new opportunities for growth and innovation, including the project for the new JRC headquarters in Seville.

The Joint Research Centre (JRC), the European Union’s science and knowledge service, is the European Commission’s in-house research centre. It employs researchers to provide independent scientific evidence and expert advice in support of most EU policies. The JRC operates across six sites in five European countries, with Seville hosting one of its locations, employing around 400 staff members.

CTA (Andalusian Technology Corporation) is a private foundation that supports innovation and brings together more than 186 innovative companies and organisations. It acts as a public-private partnership entity accelerating innovation processes and has a strong international presence as a partner in projects funded by the European Commission and multilateral organisations. CTA provides innovation support services to companies of all sizes, public administrations, universities, research organisations and any innovation-driven entity.