The Chair of Family Business at the University of Valencia (CEFUV) has inaugurated the 18th edition of the course “Family Business: Key Aspects for Competitiveness and Longevity.” The course is organized by the Chair of Family Business, promoted by the Valencian Business Association (AVE), EDEM Business School, the Valencian Institute for the Study of Family Business (IVEFA), the Family Business Institute (IEF), and the University of Valencia, with the collaboration of CaixaBank and Broseta.

The opening session was led by Alejandro Escribá-Esteve, Director of the Chair of Family Business, who welcomed the participants. Representatives of the Chair's promoting and collaborating organizations also took part in the event. Francisco Muñoz, Dean of the Faculty of Economics at the University of Valencia, also addressed the audience, highlighting the work carried out by the Chair and the importance of family businesses as a key economic and social driver.

One of the highlights of the event was the keynote lecture delivered by Allan Discua Cruz, Professor at Lancaster University. During his presentation, he reflected on the close relationship between entrepreneurship and family business, addressing topics such as entrepreneurial identity, innovation, generational succession, resilience, and family legacy as essential elements for ensuring the long-term continuity of these organizations.

Following the opening ceremony, the first course session, entitled “A 360º View of Family Business: Challenges and Opportunities,” was delivered by Marta Riera Esteve. The session provided a comprehensive overview of family businesses, examining their distinctive characteristics, the main challenges they face, and the key factors for effectively managing the relationships between family, ownership, governance, and management.

Family businesses represent one of the fundamental pillars of the Spanish economy. In this context, the course offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the reality of these organizations and to understand the challenges they face in ensuring continuity across generations.

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