Vicente Burgaleta and the 'lights' and 'shadows' of an era: Between technical-scientific competence and corruption

Vicente Burgaleta, an industrial engineer (1891-1952) embodies some “lights” and “shadows” in Spain in the first third of the 20th century. On the side of the “lights”, his figure reflects the importance of engineers in the incorporation of Spain to the innovations of the second industrial revolution. It also illustrates the improvement experienced by the country in the field of technical training. In fact, Burgaleta brilliantly combined technical competence, scientific-academic concerns, and interest in economic and management issues. For example, he was one of the greatest experts in electric traction, was linked to the group of the first Spanish “relativists”, was among the forerunners of the failed introduction of Taylorism, and reflected on multiple socioeconomic issues. However, on the side of the “shadows”, Burgaleta’s position as General Inspector of Stores and his subsequent escape to Bolivia –accused of embezzlement and falsification of documents– exemplifies the old problems of corruption, inefficiency and fraud of the Public Administration.