{"id":118384,"date":"2025-01-09T19:32:20","date_gmt":"2025-01-09T18:32:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ceadigilaw.org\/rosa-davila-huawei-samsung-tenerife-como-polo-de-innovacion-tecnologica\/"},"modified":"2026-07-17T21:34:25","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T19:34:25","slug":"rosa-davila-huawei-samsung-tenerife-como-polo-de-innovacion-tecnologica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ceadigilaw.org\/en\/blog\/rosa-davila-huawei-samsung-tenerife-como-polo-de-innovacion-tecnologica\/","title":{"rendered":"Rosa D\u00e1vila. Huawei. Samsung: Tenerife as a Technological Innovation Hub"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tenerife as a Pole of Technological Innovation: Opportunities, Challenges and Keys to Success from the Euro-American Committee of Digital Law and Meta Channel Corporation<\/strong><\/p>\n

By <\/span>Antonio Tejeda Encinas<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span> , President <\/span>Euro-American Digital Law Committee<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span> CEO <\/span>Meta Channel Corp<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The recent news that places Tenerife as a potential destination for investment by tech giants such as Huawei and Samsung<\/strong> marks a turning point in the island’s economic history. However, in order for these initiatives to transcend the preliminary meeting phase and become tangible realities, it is essential to carry out an in-depth analysis that encompasses both the competitive advantages and the structural constraints that Tenerife faces. As President of the Euro-American Committee on Digital Law -CEA Digital Law and CEO of Meta Channel Corporation, my experience in both academic research and business practice allows me to offer a comprehensive and strategic vision on this topic.<\/p>\n

Tenerife: A strategic bridge in the Atlantic<\/h3>\n

Tenerife’s geographical location offers an undeniable advantage: its position as a natural link between Europe, Africa and America. This geopolitical situation allows the island to aspire to become a strategic node for technological innovation and business development. For Huawei and Samsung, which are looking to strengthen their global presence, Tenerife could represent a unique entry point to emerging markets in Africa and an ideal location to coordinate transatlantic operations.<\/p>\n

However, this advantage may be overshadowed if certain challenges inherent in insularity are not effectively addressed, such as limited air connectivity and the high logistical costs associated with the transport of technological goods and equipment. For example, the limited frequency of direct flights from Tenerife to global technology hubs such as Silicon Valley, Seoul or Shenzhen could become a real obstacle to the mobility of executives, technicians and materials. This problem not only impacts investment potential, but also the perception of international companies about the island’s operational viability.<\/p>\n

Technological Infrastructure: Beyond Basic Connectivity<\/h3>\n

From the Euro-American Committee on Digital Law -CEA Digital Law, we have insisted that sustainable technological development requires an advanced infrastructure that guarantees competitiveness in the global market. While Tenerife has made important strides in terms of digitalization, the demands of giants like Huawei and Samsung go far beyond the basics. These companies require state-of-the-art telecommunications networks, data centers with international certifications, and cybersecurity systems that comply with strict European Union regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).<\/p>\n

A concrete example that illustrates this need is the growing demand for local data processing due to the restrictions on cross-border transfers imposed by the GDPR. For a company like Huawei, which develops artificial intelligence and mass storage technologies, the lack of local data centers in Tenerife could be a reason to rethink its interest in the island.<\/p>\n

In addition, submarine connectivity, key to ensuring fast and secure global communications, must be expanded. Tenerife, with its position on the Atlantic, has the potential to become a key connection node between continents, but this requires significant investments in state-of-the-art submarine cables that guarantee both speed and redundancy.<\/p>\n

Local Talent: A pending issue<\/h3>\n

Human talent is the most valuable resource in the technological field, and this is where Tenerife faces a critical challenge. Although the island has universities and training centers that produce professionals in areas such as computer science and engineering, the current offer is not aligned with the specific needs of high-tech companies. This mismatch between educational supply and business demand could slow down the arrival of strategic investments.<\/p>\n

At Meta Channel Corporation, we have worked in other markets designing training programs in collaboration with universities and companies. A viable solution for Tenerife would be to implement dual training models, where students combine their academic education with paid internships in technology companies. In addition, the island must position itself as an attractive destination for international talent. This requires addressing key issues such as housing quality, educational provision for expat families, and cultural integration.<\/p>\n

For example, cities such as Dublin (our headquarters) and Tallinn have managed to attract thousands of international tech workers thanks to a combination of work incentives and a robust social infrastructure. Tenerife could aspire to a similar model, adapted to its island particularities.<\/p>\n

Housing and overcrowding: A structural obstacle<\/h3>\n

One of the least mentioned but extremely important aspects is the housing crisis affecting Tenerife. Tourist overcrowding and the limited supply of accessible housing could become a brake for those who do not telework and need to perform local functions. Tech companies need to ensure that their employees have access to adequate and affordable housing. Otherwise, the island’s appeal as an investment destination could quickly fade.<\/p>\n

For example, in markets like San Francisco, the lack of affordable housing has led many tech companies to look for alternatives in other cities. If Tenerife does not take proactive measures, it risks repeating this mistake. One solution could be the creation of incentives for sustainable real estate developments aimed at professionals in the technology sector, combined with policies that curb real estate speculation.<\/p>\n

Tax incentives: An attractive framework, but one that can be perfected<\/h3>\n

The Economic and Fiscal Regime (REF) of the Canary Islands is, without a doubt, an important attraction for foreign companies. However, in a global environment where many jurisdictions offer advantageous tax conditions, Tenerife needs to go further. In addition to tax exemptions, it would be useful to implement specific grant programs for research and development (R+D) projects, as well as facilitate access to financing for local startups that can be integrated into the value chain of companies such as Huawei and Samsung.<\/p>\n

A practical example of success in this area is Ireland’s model, which combines low corporate tax with strong state support for innovation. Tenerife could learn from this approach, adapting it to European regulations and the specific needs of the island.<\/p>\n

Sustainability: Green technology for a responsible future<\/h3>\n

Sustainability must be a central axis of any technological development strategy in Tenerife. As we have pointed out from the Euro-American Committee on Digital Law -CEA Digital Law, the balance between economic development and environmental protection is not optional, but essential. This is especially true in an island environment like Tenerife, where resources are limited and the pressure on the environment is significant.<\/p>\n

Technology investments must be aligned with sustainable practices, such as the use of renewable energy to power technological infrastructure and the implementation of circular economy models that reduce waste. For example, Huawei and Samsung could lead green technology projects on the island, demonstrating that technological development and sustainability can go hand in hand.<\/p>\n

Constructive Criticism: What Hasn’t Been Said, But Needs to Be Addressed<\/h3>\n

Limited international connectivity.<\/em> Beyond technological connectivity, Tenerife faces insufficient physical connectivity. Without regular direct flights to tech hubs like San Francisco, Berlin, or Singapore, attracting talent and maintaining business relationships becomes more complicated. This problem is already faced by other islands in the Mediterranean, where the lack of connectivity has reduced the interest of global technology companies.<\/p>\n

Lack of a consolidated technological ecosystem.<\/em> Currently, Tenerife lacks an ecosystem that encourages collaboration between startups, universities and large corporations. In places like Barcelona, the creation of technology hubs has been key to attracting investment and generating innovation. Tenerife needs to bet on the creation of physical and virtual spaces where these interactions can flourish.<\/p>\n

Insufficient international promotion.<\/em> Although meetings with Huawei and Samsung are a good start, Tenerife needs to develop a broader global marketing strategy. This involves participating in international events, establishing representative offices in key markets and creating campaigns that position the island as an innovative and sustainable technology destination. A successful example of this strategy is Lisbon, which has managed to position itself as an emerging technology hub thanks to its active participation in international fairs and congresses, as well as offering an attractive tax framework and a high quality of life.<\/p>\n

Preparation for the arrival of large multinationals.<\/em> It is not enough to attract companies of the stature of Huawei or Samsung; It is crucial to ensure that their installation does not generate social or economic imbalances. This includes everything from managing the impact on the local labour market to developing urban policies that prevent gentrification and social exclusion. For example, Seattle’s case with Amazon shows how the arrival of large corporations, if not properly managed, can lead to problems such as cost-of-living inflation and the displacement of local residents.<\/p>\n

Building the future from a comprehensive vision<\/h3>\n

The arrival of Huawei and Samsung in Tenerife could be the catalyst that transforms the island into a global benchmark in technological innovation. However, for this vision to materialise, it is imperative to proactively address the challenges we have identified and take advantage of the unique opportunities that Tenerife can offer.<\/p>\n

From the Euro-American Committee on Digital Law -CEA Digital Law<\/em>, we will continue to work to ensure that the technological investments that arrive in Tenerife are aligned with the highest standards of sustainability, competitiveness and regulatory compliance. On the other hand, from Meta Channel Corporation, we will continue to promote collaboration between international and local companies, helping to build a technological ecosystem that benefits both Tenerife and the rest of Europe.<\/p>\n

This is a historic moment for Tenerife, but success will not come automatically. It requires strategic vision, effective leadership, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of the local community. If we manage to articulate these pieces, Tenerife will not only be a destination for technological investment, but also an example for other regions of the world that seek to balance economic development, innovation and sustainability.<\/p>\n

Photo: <\/em><\/p>\n

Meeting with the management of Samsung Spain. Credit: Cabildo de Tenerife.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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