The 12th edition of the Night of Telecommunications and Information Society of Castilla-La Mancha (NTCLM2024) has focused on the keys to achieving sustainable digitalization in rural areas. Organized by the Official College of Telecommunications Engineers (COIT) and the Spanish Association of Telecommunications Engineers (AEIT) in the region, in collaboration with the Board of Communities of Castilla-La Mancha (JCCM), the event took place at the Hotel Cigarral El Bosque in Toledo and featured prominent figures from the technology sector and institutional representatives.
Under the theme “Connecting Territories: The Alliance between Rural and Digital for a Sustainable Future”, this edition brought together experts who shared their insights on the crucial role of technology in rural areas. Fernando Mérida from the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities highlighted the importance of designing policies that revitalize rural life. María Guijarro from the Polytechnic University of Madrid presented the initiative “Digitalize Your Village”, which encourages students to demonstrate the power of technology in combating depopulation. Miguel Sánchez Galindo from DigitalES analyzed the challenges in improving connectivity in rural areas and discussed the difficulties companies face accessing the digital market.
During the inaugural event, Juan Ángel Morejudo, managing director of the Digital Transformation Agency of Castilla-La Mancha, emphasized that the region is a pioneer in implementing the Law Against Depopulation and highlighted the regional government’s commitment to executing European funds to boost rural development in sectors such as agri-food and tourism.
José Manuel Velasco Retamosa, deputy mayor of Toledo, underscored the importance of bringing digitalization to rural areas, while Juan Carlos López, the COIT regional dean, noted the growth of the event, which this year has increased in both sponsors and attendees, solidifying its status as a reference point in the national ICT sector.
During the traditional gala dinner, the ‘CLM Engineer Award’ was presented to Gregorio Núñez León de Santos, coordinator of ICT Projects for the Ministry of Finance, Public Administration, and Digital Transformation, who expressed his gratitude for the recognition.
The NTCLM2024 concluded with a closing speech by Juan Ángel Morejudo, highlighting the fundamental role of ICT in promoting economic development and social cohesion in Castilla-La Mancha. This edition reinforces the region’s commitment to connecting people and revitalizing rural areas through sustainable digitalization.
