Galicia's situation regarding R&D has improved significantly in recent years. Currently, the region dedicates 0,7% of its GDP to this area. Through the Galician R&D&I Plan, managed by the Ministry of Innovation, Industry and Trade, the aim is to increase scientific and technological capacity, the participation of companies in the innovation process, and the extension of the benefits of research to the entire Galician society.
– What does the Galician Plan for Research, Development and Technological Research consist of?
The aim is to efficiently coordinate efforts and initiatives originating from the Galician Regional Government, the Spanish Central Government, and the European Commission. The measures focus on infrastructure and communications, completing access highways, improving coastal and inland connectivity, and developing the high-speed rail network (AVE) in the future.
Furthermore, telecommunications will be modernized through a program that will increase access to broadband and the quality of services.
In the energy sector, Galicia leads in diversified electricity production. In this regard, the Mugardos regasification plant will allow for the expansion of gas use at both the industrial and residential levels.
– How important is R&D in the Galician Community?
The Galician Regional Government (Xunta), through its Ministry of Innovation, Industry and Trade, is giving R&D top priority through various programs and initiatives. The significant budget of €64 million allocated to this area for 2004 aims to boost the development of technology centers and stimulate research at universities.
A crucial element is optimizing the relationship between universities and businesses. It's important to add that businesses increasingly value R&D. Resources should reach 50% of the total invested in research by both businesses and the Galician regional government (Xunta), which currently stands at 30%.
– What type of R&D initiatives does the Xunta promote?
Issues of interest to Galicia are developed, related to its natural or business resources and which strengthen existing productive structures.
Likewise, business clusters are being strengthened, such as the one created for the aeronautical sector, which are achieving excellent growth in their contracts.
Aquaculture deserves special mention, having achieved excellent technology and growing alongside leading companies. Deep-sea fishing is another area in which Galician companies are developing.
– What is your opinion on the growing importance of the textile sector in Galicia?
This sector is not new to the region, but its momentum is: its sustained growth in revenue, its international reach, its exports, and the increasing number of companies participating in it. The impetus provided by large, well-known companies is driving smaller ones to invest in R&D so they can keep pace with and meet the sector's needs.
– How do Galician companies approach entering third-party markets?
Firstly, it is necessary to mention the relations with northern Portugal as part of the Euroregion, for whose development the European Union offers support that is being used by many Galician companies.
In general, Galicians and their businesses have traditionally had a strong international focus. The Regional Ministry is supporting an ambitious export plan, FOEXGA, in coordination with the Chambers of Commerce of the region, which has a budget of almost 2,5 million euros.
What is important in projects to expand into third markets is good technical management and a strong corporate culture, more than size, since there are examples of SMEs with great success abroad.
– What message would you give to potential investors in Galicia?
The first advantage is that Galicia is very close to consumers and clients. Galicia boasts a modern and competitive business sector and infrastructure of all kinds. Furthermore, the Galician government (Xunta) has developed an attractive framework of aid, incentives, and support under the Galician Investment Plan.
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