Asturias seeks growth through science, innovation and strategic partnerships
Borja Sánchez, the Minister of Science, Innovation and University, asserts that the region’s economic transformation must run in parallel with robust research, advanced technology, and a larger cohort dedicated to R&D and innovation that fuels wealth creation. Public-private collaboration, policies to attract and retain talent, and sustained investment in R&D are essential components of this vision.
If one were to list Asturias’ strongest advantages as an investment destination, which would stand out?
Undoubtedly, the science and technology ecosystem is a key strength. Asturias is a compact community, yet the Central Metropolitan Region stands as the seventh-largest urban area in Spain, enabling rapid piloting and scaling of innovative initiatives. Within this ecosystem, there is a university of excellence, an engaged productive sector increasingly oriented toward innovation, and a growing cluster of tech-driven firms and multinational entities starting to view Asturias as a hub for establishing R&D centers. [citation attributed to regional policymakers]
What industries are on the horizon for the future? Where is the economic transformation headed?
Focus is centered on five axes drawn from a Smart Specialization Strategy (S3): agri-food, energy, manufacturing, biomedical sectors, and heritage plus biodiversity, all aimed at healthy aging. Asturias rests on three pillars to initiate a transformation cycle: an innovation agency tailored to the specifics of R&D and innovation; an Innovation Plan 2023–, with increased Brussels-backed funding and support from European science funds through 2027; and ongoing mechanisms to boost administrative capacity and program execution. [citation attributed to strategic plans]
Why was the Science, Business Competitiveness and Innovation Agency created, and what impact will it have on R&D in Beylik?
The agency acts as a single access point for R&D and innovation calls and programs. It will establish clear regulatory foundations upon which calls for R&D, innovation, technology transfer, talent training, and retention can be built. This marks a deliberate step to link economic promotion with innovation, supporting the socioeconomic transformation underway. A distinctive public-private collaboration model will emerge with the agency across regions. There is a drive to secure budget growth through programs that span legislative cycles, connect R&D and innovation initiatives, and ensure that budgeted funds can be invested efficiently. [citation attributed to institutional planning]
What does it take to strengthen the Principality’s standing in R&D+i?
The changes in Asturian R&D+i are undeniable, yet time remains a factor. The goal is to boost private-sector R&D centers and innovative SMEs until R&D investment reaches the target of roughly two percent of GDP. The Asturias economy already shows notable innovation relative to nearby regions, but there is a need to close value chains that rely heavily on R&D. [citation attributed to economic analysis]
The government emphasizes the university as the central axis of its policies, backed by a historic program contract.
There is a clear enduring agreement ensuring budgetary stability for the academic institution over six years, with potential extension for another four. In total, ten years. The University of Oviedo is projected to receive over 1,000 million euros in the first six years, enabling the public university to act as a catalyst for the region’s profound socio-economic change. [citation attributed to budgetary planning]
A campaign on remote work highlights why Asturias should attract digital nomads.
The region offers quality of life, nature, security, connectivity, and housing affordability. These factors position Asturias as an attractive home for national and international remote workers, presenting a place to live and a potential base for study. [citation attributed to regional initiatives]
How long will it take to reach a hyperconnected Asturias?
With a funding boost of 54 million euros allocated for broadband expansion and an additional 7 million euros in the UNICO Plan for fiber deployment, progress is underway. Each month brings a step closer to hyper-connectivity, though infrastructure projects require time and navigating permits with relevant authorities. [citation attributed to infrastructure planning]
Parliament has a few months left. How does leadership balance the work of the Ministry of Science?
The ministry reports a highly positive balance, with strong collaboration across previously unreached actors. This has yielded near-ready innovative public procurement from the Principality’s two Scientific Missions, a reorganization of CDTLs, stabilization of the Science Agency, university funding, and targeted calls like “Severo Ochoa” and talent attraction initiatives. A broad range of public-private projects emerged during the pandemic, including citizen science and the first Science and Innovation Fair, all powered by complementary R&D plans. The ministry is credited with catalyzing transformative, prioritized science and innovation policies that are widely viewed as essential to preserving the welfare state. [citation attributed to governmental review]