Asturias has an innovative and robust scientific-technological ecosystem of public and private organizations that act as drivers of regional R&D+i. The programs initiated by the Regional Administration had a direct impact on the increase of public-private sector cooperation through consortia developing programs that have a direct impact on society.
On the public side of this ecosystem, the Regional Administration of the Principality of Asturias and public institutions that perform important functions in the science and innovation system that are affiliated with it come to the fore.
The Government of the Principality of Asturias mainly, though not exclusively, through the Ministry of Science, Innovation and University provides the economic resources to support R&D policies, design and update plans and strategies, and establishes the legal and regulatory institutions. Mechanisms aimed at facilitating the development of SCTI and making investments in it much more effective, under the powers shared with the Spanish Government.
In the regional innovation ecosystem, the Principality has important intermediaries that have a direct impact on the fabric of production and act as real agents of economic progress, using science and innovation as a lever for change and economic development.
In first place are the Economic Development Institute of the Principality of Asturias (IDEPA), responsible for support programs for commercial R+D+i, and the Foundation for the Promotion of Applied Scientific Research in the Principality of Asturias. (FICYT) is responsible for the link through science programs between the University and the company.
On the other hand, Asturias European Center for Business and Innovation (CEEI Asturias) is responsible for the implementation of Science, Innovation and University programs to support innovative entrepreneurs and especially those who develop technology-based projects. Information Transfer Office of the Principality of Asturias.
With expert advice from CEEI Asturias and financial support from IDEPA (EBT subsidies), Regional Promotion Association (participatory loans) and ASTURGAR (guarantees), Asturias has been established as an ideal location for innovative and technology-based installation. companies
Given the panorama of digital transformation, the neutral telephone operator GITPA is also asked to develop a relevant part of the Government’s action.
In the General Administration of the Principality there are a number of other directorates with relevant sectoral mandates to facilitate the development of a SCTI in certain specific areas within the framework of its sectoral competences and these are coordinated through the Interdepartmental Research, Technological Development Commission. and Innovation.
Asturian Energy Foundation (FAEN), Asturian Water Consortium (CADASA), Asturian Waste Management Company (COGERSA); The Barredo Foundation or the Principality of Asturias Public Health Service (SESPA) conducts R&D+i projects in the field of advanced and sustainable materials.
In the public sector, the role of the University of Oviedo stands out with its teaching and research staff (PDI) of more than 2,000 people in 38 departments that come together in research groups to develop research activities. There are also research centers and institutes above the research groups.
The University of Oviedo carries 80% of the R+D+i in Asturia, collecting an average of more than four million donations per year from the national scheme, and also receives four million annually from the Principality in support of competitive calls for bids. Investigation groups. Some of the research groups participate in the Health Research Institute of the Principality, together with the SESPA groups, in addition to the University’s own institutes; Asturias Foundation for Biosanitary Research and Innovation (FINBA) and the Supreme Council for Scientific Research.
Additionally, the University of Oviedo participates in mixed ownership centers with CSIC and the Principality Government: the Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN) and the Biodiversity Mixed Research Institute (IMIB). There are also different public research institutions, publicly or jointly owned centers that conduct specialized research in various sectors.
In the Asturias ecosystem, technology centers play a fundamental role in providing advanced services and supporting SMEs in a significant number of R&D+i projects linked to the industries in which they operate. yield.