Presentation of the 2026 Business Barometer

The Valencian Association of Business Leaders (AVE) and GAD3 present the third edition of the Business Perception Barometer

On 11 February, the Roig Arena in Valencia became the epicentre of Spain’s economic and business debate. GAD3 had the honour of participating in the General Assembly of the Valencian Association of Business Leaders (AVE), an essential annual event that brings together the leaders of the most prominent companies from the Mediterranean Arc and across the national stage. The meeting not only served to take stock of the association’s management but also to present key data that will define the sector’s strategy in the coming years.

GAD3 and a detailed snapshot of the sector: Presentation of the 2026 Business Barometer

The highlight of the public session was the presentation of the 2026 Business Leader Barometer, a study conducted by GAD3 in collaboration with Ivie (the Valencian Institute of Economic Research). Narciso Michavila, President of GAD3, was responsible for detailing the findings of this research, which analyses the social perception of the business community in our country.

Narciso highlighted that nearly seven out of ten respondents maintain a positive image of business leaders, a figure that continues an upward trend. During his address, the President of GAD3 emphasised the importance of transparency and communication to continue strengthening the bond between society and those who generate employment and wealth. “The data reflects that citizens value the effort and resilience of the business landscape, especially in times of uncertainty,” he noted.

Presentation of the study findings by Narciso Michavila, President of GAD3

Leadership and a vision for the future

The assembly featured top-tier figures from the business, political, and diplomatic spheres, whose contributions set the tone for the day:

Vicente Boluda (President of AVE): The host and leader of the association reaffirmed the commitment of Valencian business leaders to Spain’s national cohesion and competitiveness. Boluda focused on the necessity of key infrastructure and a stable legal framework to allow for continued investment with confidence.
Narciso Michavila (President of GAD3): As an expert in sociological analysis, Michavila provided data-driven scientific insights, explaining how the 2026 Business Leader Barometer is a vital tool for understanding the demands of public opinion and adapting the business narrative to social reality.
Ana Palacio (Former Minister for Foreign Affairs): Her keynote offered an essential international perspective in a complex global context. She analysed the geopolitical challenges directly affecting exports and the security of supply chains for Spanish companies.
Alberto Núñez Feijóo (Leader of the People’s Party): In his dialogue with attendees, Feijóo highlighted the role of business leaders as an “indispensable engine of the Welfare State” and advocated for fiscal policies that incentivise growth and job creation.
Juanfran Pérez Llorca (President of the Generalitat Valenciana): Responsible for closing the event, he reaffirmed the Generalitat’s institutional support for the Valencian production sector, highlighting public-private partnerships as the most efficient path for the region’s progress.

Vicente Boluda, president of AVE

Valencia and the Roig Arena: A venue to match the analysis

The choice of the Roig Arena for this event was by no means accidental. As a symbol of innovation and modernity in Valencia, it provided the perfect setting for a day where GAD3’s technology and data analysis merged with the expertise of AVE’s leading captains of industry.

GAD3 would like to thank the Valencian Association of Business Leaders for the trust placed in our consultancy for the development and presentation of this study. The findings of the 2026 Business Leader Barometer are not merely a snapshot of the present; they represent a roadmap for building a stronger and more productive relationship between the business community and Spanish society.