Ibiza is transforming into a smart city laboratory

Sant Josep Mayor Vicent Roig explained data-driven municipal governance, tourism pressure, and smart city technologies at the Ibiza Tech Forum.

Scraper SystemJune 04, 2026, 12:38 AM

In its fourth year, the Ibiza Tech Forum has firmly positioned itself as the central hub where the present and future of technology meet. This year, the main stage was set up at the impressive Caló de s'Oli Auditorium, where the forum made a leap in both quality and quantity; this proves that the island has gone far beyond its globally known label as the entertainment capital. 'Euronews' spoke with Vicent Roig, the mayor of Sant Josep de sa Talaia, the municipality hosting the event, about Ibiza's strategic role on the global technology map and how public administration should transform through the power of data. Managing with facts, not beliefsAfter attending the forum's corporate session, Roig reached a clear conclusion: public administration still has a significant gap in sensor deployment. The mayor emphasized in his statement to this platform: Making decisions based on political tendencies or beliefs is one thing; making decisions based on real, empirical data is quite another. According to Roig, a municipality equipped with sensors means a direct improvement in citizens' quality of life through technology that enables a shift from reactive to preventive management: 'Knowing in real-time when a trash container is full, immediately detecting a water leak to avoid water outages, or optimizing public safety by monitoring human flows with drones and cameras, efficiently containing a fire; these are just a few examples of how artificial intelligence and technology are transforming local governance.' A technological shield against 'piracy' in tourismOne of the most debated topics in island destinations is the balance between economic attractiveness and preserving the local way of life. Residents of the Pitiusa island and Spaniards living in different parts of the country often see their regions under pressure due to frequently complained about overcrowding. According to the mayor of Sant Josep, the key to the solution is again in data control, because often the feeling of 'much more congestion than actually exists' prevails. Roig defines the real problem as illegal supply. Pirate transportation in transit, unlicensed tourist accommodations, or secret parties create an unregistered economy that is impossible to measure with traditional methods. 'The tourism that we cannot control is exactly what turns the perceived density into reality,' he says. The municipality plans to combat this issue by installing camera and drone systems that will help protect the 'Ibiza product,' which is currently especially worn out at the communication level. Overcoming obstacles to attract global investorsIbiza holds an unbeatable duo of innovation and quality of life. Thanks to international connections, more and more families and professionals choose Sant Josep to live year-round in search of security, stability, and prosperity. However, various obstacles are encountered on the path to full digitalization. Roig clearly states that the obstacles municipalities face are neither financial nor about willpower; the main problem lies in bureaucracy and basic infrastructure. He expresses regret that a technology event of this scale has to use generators due to insufficient electricity flow or faces complex regulations in expanding fiber optic infrastructure. A showcase and testing ground for the worldHosting technology leaders, investors, and international institutions positions Ibiza as a global attraction center. Far from giving up the island's entertainment-focused reputation, Roig argues that this entertainment also means leadership and innovation: 'What is created in Ibiza is exported to the world not only in music but also in the management of major entertainment events.' Finally, the mayor sends a clear message to companies and investors targeting the archipelagos: Ibiza and Sant Josep offer legal security, quality of life, and above all, a unique geography. Being a 542 square kilometer island, it becomes an excellent testing ground for technologies that can later be exported nationally and internationally.

Ibiza is transforming into a smart city laboratory

Sant Josep Mayor Vicent Roig explained data-driven municipal governance, tourism pressure, and smart city technologies at the Ibiza Tech Forum.