The Catalan Government has greenlit its business innovation strategy for the 2026-2030 period. This initiative includes a new aid line of 78 million euros annually, aiming for companies to invest 2% of their revenue in innovation. According to Government sources, this figure represents a 30% increase and will mobilize around 300 million euros each year. The strategy focuses on six strategic areas, including security and defense, and seeks to bring order to Catalonia's innovation ecosystem.
The Minister of Business and Labour, Miquel Sàmper, highlighted the importance of innovation to reduce the gap with the United States and China, referencing European reports. The transition to electric vehicles, exemplified by Volkswagen's situation and the Seat plant in Martorell, underscores the relevance of innovation for the automotive industry.
The Catalan Government's strategy also aims to leverage the strengths of Catalan companies, such as high-tech exports and patent applications. Simultaneously, it seeks to address historical shortcomings like the lack of talent, the small size of the business fabric, the disconnect between science and industry, and insufficient funding. To tackle these challenges, eight axes and 33 specific actions have been defined.
The main chapters of the new strategy include the creation of a "single model for business innovation project aid" that will integrate technological exploration, research and development, and technological innovation. This measure will consolidate aid into a primary line, with approximately 78 million euros allocated for 2026, aiming to maintain this funding and promptly announce the first grants.
Another key axis involves promoting a project yet to be finalized to organize the business innovation support ecosystem, avoiding overlaps and maximizing impact. The Generalitat believes Catalonia should emulate other countries by concentrating efforts on innovation support infrastructure, such as technology centers.
