Research and Innovation background
Spain’s research and innovation (R&I) framework aligns with European Union objectives, emphasising sustainability, digitalisation, and industrial competitiveness. Key strategies and plans include:
- Spanish Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy (EECTI): The multi-annual reference framework for promoting scientific, technical and innovation research, which establishes the objectives shared by all Public Administrations.
- National Open Science Strategy 2023-2027: Incudes all the commitments relating to open science adopted by different public agents in the system and reviews the international and national content in terms of open science.
- Plan for the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda: This plan integrates the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into Spain’s national policies, including R&I initiatives focused on sustainable transport, clean energy, and environmental resilience to support long-term development objectives.
- National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: Aligns national policies focused on promoting the development and use of artificial intelligence in Spain, increasing investment in AI applications, and strengthening collaboration between public and private sectors.
- Industrial Policy Strategy 2030: A framework promoting sustainable, digital, and competitive industrial practices across key sectors, including transport, to drive economic growth and energy efficiency.
Transport-specific strategies and plans include:
- Secure, Sustainable and Connected Mobility Strategy 2030: Constitutes the framework that will guide the debate on mobility in Spain, enriched with the contributions of the different actors of the mobility ecosystem.
- Hydrogen Roadmap 2020: Defines Spain’s strategy for adopting hydrogen in the transport sector, focusing on infrastructure development and pilot projects for hydrogen-powered transport.
- Spanish Urban Agenda: Promotes sustainable urban transport by enhancing public transit and supporting low-emission mobility options, including cycling and walking.
- Spanish National Railway Plan: Aims to modernise the rail network through electrification and high-speed rail expansion, supporting Spain’s decarbonisation and connectivity goals.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)
Institutional framework of transport research
Spain’s R&I landscape is supported by several government ministries, research agencies, and innovation centres. Main organisations include:
- Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities: The main organisation responsible for the proposal and execution of government policy on research and development (R&D). It manages international relations in this sector and the Spanish representation in programmes in the EU.
- Council of Scientific and Technological Policy and Innovation: The general coordination and administrative body for scientific and technical research.
- Advisory Council for Science, Technology and Innovation: Makes recommendations and contributes to state plans to ensure the strategy is achieved.
- Spanish State Research Agency (AEI): Manages funding for scientific research across sectors, including transport.
- Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI): Supports industrial R&D projects, particularly in transport electrification, digitalisation, and emissions reduction.
- Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility: Manages transport-specific R&I, focusing on sustainable mobility, infrastructure, and smart transport solutions.
The main instruments of financing Spanish research and development activities are:
- Public core funding
- Financing via tax reductions
- Research Grants
- Private funding
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
Spain provides diverse funding for transport research and innovation through national and EU programmes:
- CDTI Grants and Loans: Offers funding for industry R&D, supporting sustainable transport and advanced mobility solutions.
- Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) Competitive Funding: Provides grants for scientific projects, including transport, to drive research advancements.
- EU Cohesion Fund Allocation: Co-finances sustainable transport infrastructure projects like rail and public transit improvements.
- Next Generation EU Funds (RTRP): Allocates resources to green and digital transport innovations as part of Spain’s post-COVID recovery.
- Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Funding: Spain participates in EU funding initiatives for TEN-T projects, which aim to improve transport links across Europe, enhancing both rail and road infrastructure within Spain.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)