Carme Botifoll, a prominent figure in innovation and business in Catalonia, has shared her experiences as former Director General of Innovation and Internationalization during José Montilla's tripartite government. Her career, which includes leading the Bages Technology Center and the Manresa Technology Center, stands as a testament to business resilience and the challenges of industrial policy.
During her time at the Generalitat, Botifoll faced the harsh realities of the economic crisis, with a plummeting regional budget and an avalanche of companies entering bankruptcy. The situation became so critical that a protocol had to be established to manage calls from desperate entrepreneurs.
“"We did the impossible for Pirelli, but there was no way. And what's more, they deceived us. It became clear to me that when a multinational wants to close a plant, it closes it, period, no matter what you offer."
One of the most painful moments for Botifoll was the closure of the Pirelli plant in Manresa. Despite efforts, a multinational's decision was unyielding, highlighting the difference in room for maneuver compared to local companies. She was also instrumental in creating Acció, the tool to promote business internationalization and innovation, by merging CIDEM and COPCA.
Now retired, Carme Botifoll remains active as a board member for two companies, including Caixa d'Enginyers, an entity that survived the banking crisis due to its policy of not investing in the real estate sector. Her critical view on short-term industrial policy and the need for more entrepreneurs with enthusiasm and resilience underscores the importance of strong businesses in combating poverty.
