A forward‑looking Smart Specialization Strategy guides Asturias toward intelligent expertise in science and innovation, aligning regional aims with sustainable growth and inclusive progress. The strategy focuses resources on core strengths to build a modern, competitive economy that resonates across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Enacted for 2021–2027, the S3 is the central instrument to position Asturias’ sectors for European competitiveness and to mobilize investment, expertise, and institutional action throughout the Principality.
Replacing RIS3, the S3 serves as a prerequisite for funding from the European Regional Development Fund. Under this framework, the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and University, supported by IDEPA, outlines the transformation of Asturias’ production model to evolve with scientific progress and innovation. The plan includes programs to intensify actions and calls described in the following sections:
1. Support for companies pursuing research and development plus innovation projects, strengthening the industrial ecosystem and fostering innovative entrepreneurship.
2. Knowledge and technology transfer aimed at promoting open innovation, public‑private cooperation, and the internationalization of the science and innovation system.
3. Research capacity and capability, including strategies to attract researchers with outstanding track records.
4. Bilateral investments linked to the transition to boost research and development plus innovation, increase the number of innovative companies, and digitize the productive sector.
There are five areas of expertise on which Asturias relies to compete in Europe:
The first pillar is farm and food, with the goal of establishing Asturias as a strategic benchmark for green and digital agri‑food production. Key challenges include promoting safe, healthy Asturias foods with personalized lines tailored to different sectors.
Active and healthy aging is another focus. The strategy supports product development to prevent and treat prevalent diseases, with emphasis on research, analysis, and control of pandemics, as well as the design of early detection systems. Regional specialization in artificial intelligence and biomedical research is identified as a critical component.
Heritage and biodiversity aim to preserve natural ecosystems, wild flora and fauna, and to reduce biodiversity loss through sustainable resource use and targeted conservation actions.
Energy and circularity target a smoother energy transition. The objective is to promote efficient consumption and the production of clean energy for regional industry.
Smart and durable industry concentrates on enhancing the competitiveness of industrial products, emphasizing ongoing regional specialization in the manufacture of structures and components.
Two programs reinforce commercial research and development and public private consortia efforts.
Two flagship programs launched in this legislative period act as catalysts for Asturian research and innovation, encouraging private investment in research. One call supports the establishment and consolidation of commercial research and development centers, inviting large companies to locate a headquarters in Asturias or relocate their technology development centers to the Principality. IDEPA oversees this program, which is nearing completion of its third call, with six new R&D centers already operating in the region. In a short span, over 18 million euros have been mobilized for projects linked to this initiative.
IDEPA also runs programs designed to fund R&D projects either individually or through collaboration, addressing the needs of companies seeking innovation and competitive advancement. The pathways emphasize greater specialization in current activities and international diversification aligned with opportunity niches. These programs are explicitly geared toward activities identified as priorities in Asturias’ S3 strategy.
Another innovative program is the Scientific Missions of Asturias. Across two calls, eleven large consortia were launched with involvement from more than 150 institutions, companies, and social organizations. The missions concentrate on two main lines: longevity and active aging. Among the actions is the reduction of emissions and greenhouse gases, with a mission to develop technologies that curb polluting emissions in Asturias. One notable project is “Agrifood Zero Emissions,” which strives to lower emissions, reduce waste use, and increase carbon absorption in dairy, cider, and forestry sectors. Led by Grupo Dex and nearly twenty partners, the consortium continues the initiative first launched in the Scientific Missions and adds new lines of research involving algae, insects, biochar, and novel additives for animal feed.