There is complete unanimity about the benefits that IFMIF-DONES is already bringing to Granada. This was evident during the informative breakfast organised by Granada Hoy on the Big Science Industry. The director of the newspaper, Lola Quero, moderated the round table with the participation of our director Ángel Ibarra, together with Juan Fernández, CEO of Quantia; Pilar Gil, engineering manager Safran; Pedro Pérez, site manager-CT Engineering Group; Erik Fernández, director of Ineustar; Roberto Álvarez, responsible for the Chamber of Commerce-Industry Office; and Alberto R. Rocha, chief strategy officer-CSO Negratín.

‘IFMIF-DONES can unleash a technological wave in Granada, but it is essential to maintain alignment with the public, private, political, business, talent, etc. The accelerator triggers Granada to be a protagonist in Big Science, but we must continue working in this line”, claimed Ángel Ibarra.

His words were echoed by Roberto Álvarez, who recalled the commitment made in the past to carry out a Strategic Plan around the accelerator to maximise its impact on the territory, ‘something that has not yet been done’.

In this sense, the role of the Industry Office is crucial to capillarise the multiplier effect generated by IFMIF-DONES among companies in Granada. It is worth mentioning that more than fifty companies from Granada are expected to participate in the next 3rd R+DONES Forum.

CT Engineering Group is an example of foreign companies that have settled in Granada attracted by the accelerator. However, its manager, Pedro Perez, warned: ‘IFMIF-DONES may be the excuse to come to Granada, but it should not be the end’.

Alberto Rocha added to this argument, pointing out that R&D was an argument to obtain tax advantages a few years ago. Still, it is an essential reason to compete at a global level.

Pilar Jaldo exemplifies this commitment to local talent, innovation, and internationalisation in her original company, Seven Solutions. Initially created as a spin-off from the University of Granada, it is now part of the multinational Safran.

Erik Fernández insisted that all these factors surrounding IFMIF-DONES represent an excellent opportunity for Granada. But he warned: ‘It is not because you have the power to transform that the territory is transformed. It is not a condition per se. We see this in scientific facilities all over the world. Hence, there is a need to maintain the alignment of all actors around IFMIF-DONES,’ he concluded.