Empire Rising: Spain

Chapter 217: Chapter 155: The Weight of an Invitation Letter (Part 2)

But those later-entered companies find it difficult to maintain low prices under higher costs. If price advantages cannot be formed, how can they compete with the two major brands that have already occupied most of the market?

Carlo’s thoughts on the automobile field are the same. If Benz could predate Ford Company, which historically pioneered assembly line production, by developing and mass-producing automobiles first, they could secure a certain advantage in the automotive market.

When other brands officially cultivate the automotive market, what they will face is the Benz Company, which has established a certain brand influence and effectively reduced costs through a high market share.

It is a bit of a pity that Carlo cannot offer much help in the aspect of talent acquisition.

This is unavoidable, as the famous scientists Carlo knows about mostly gained fame in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and many of them only became reputable during the World War periods.

For instance, the renowned Einstein has not yet been born. Madame Curie, known for discovering radium and appearing in textbooks, is still a child at this time. Nikola Tesla, who clashed with Edison in the War of Currents, is only 17 years old now.

Although these individuals will make a huge name for themselves in the future, they are clearly unfit for excessive contact at present.

Unexpected interactions and changes in early life might prevent them from becoming the historically illustrious figures we know.

For ease of talent acquisition in the future, Carlo refrains from excessively interfering with the Royal Security Intelligence Bureau and the government in identifying and acquiring talent.

In short, it is best to believe in the outstanding talents of this era rather than excessively venerate historical celebrities.

Though some are born talented, it is undeniable that early life experiences are equally critical in enabling progress and growth for geniuses.

Actually, by identifying these excellent talents from various countries, their knowledge can be used to cultivate talented individuals in Spain.

Although historically Spain did not produce Nobel Prize winners in physics and chemistry, who can say with certainty that under Carlo’s vigorous nurturing, Spain will not produce a few gifted famous scientists?

Returning to Spain’s action of acquiring talent. There are many scientists in Europe, and they have diverse personalities.

Relatively easier to address are those scientists who value personal interests and income. These individuals can be swayed with money and will generally agree to come to Spain.

For those more focused on scientific research, the Royal Academy of Sciences can step in. It provides an excellent research environment and ample funding, while being a Science Academy Member is also a validation of identity.

Lastly, for those who value both scientific research and social status, Carlo personally invites them as the King of Spain to take on significant university roles, such as vice dean, vice president, or honorary president.

A personal invitation from a king, accompanied by significant academic roles, truly honors these scientists.

Of course, those eligible for such treatment already have a certain reputation and status. These individuals have achieved in their respective fields, naturally deserving of Carlo’s direct outreach.

Of course, these fields are generally the ones Spain values, such as research areas like physics, chemistry, and biology. For literary giants, apologies, Spain is not very interested.

Although cultural promotion is important, domestic literary workers in Spain are sufficient for the task. Carlo has no interest in inviting foreign literary figures, as they tend to be rather proud and, to put it simply, troublesome.

June 22, 1873, Portugal.

“Manuel, have you also received an invitation from His Majesty the King of Spain?” said a middle-aged man in his thirties or forties to his friend before him, inside a hospital that had evidently gone bankrupt.

“Yes,” Manuel nodded without a hint of concealment. “Although I don’t want to leave Portugal, there’s no work for me here anymore.”

Although the economic crisis that Portugal suffered wasn’t severe, Portugal wasn’t a strong country to begin with. When other countries faced economic crises, countries like Portugal became targets for offloading economic crises instead.

How to divert an economic crisis? Naturally, by dumping industrial products in countries like Portugal to earn some income, thereby alleviating the economic pressure on businesses.

The domestic industry in Portugal couldn’t withstand the impact of foreign industrial products. Under purposeful dumping by other countries, numerous enterprises in Portugal went bankrupt.

This is the sorrow of a weak nation, as weak countries simply cannot choose their own fate. But there’s not much Portugal can say, as the countries dumping industrial products in Portugal are all formidable.

That’s why Spain’s economic crisis isn’t severe. If Spain suffered a severe economic crisis, it would undoubtedly dump industrial products in Portugal as well.

Sharing the Iberian Peninsula, Spain doesn’t have much of a transport burden. If industrial products are massively dumped in Portugal, it might be more than Portugal can endure.