The RETOS-COLABORACIÓN
The RETOS-COLABORACIÓN call is endowed with 260 million euros, of which 70 million are given as subsidies and 190 as loans. This money will finance the creation of public-private partnerships between companies, public and private universities, public research bodies, technology centres, public and private R&D centres and business associations.
Last published in 2017, RETOS-COLABORACIÓN attracts many companies and research centres, which see the call as an opportunity to get financing for collaborative projects and move closer to finding innovative solutions. This is a very interesting call since the State Research Agency finances the costs of the research organisations with an 100% subsidy and companies receive a loan for up to 95% of its costs.
The RETOS-COLABORACIÓN call aims to stimulate, through project financing, the formation of interdisciplinary R&D&i groups, which will advance towards finding innovative solutions, in accordance with the priorities established under the call; promote the creation of innovative companies, direct existing companies towards innovative activity, mobilise private investment, generate employment and improve the country's technological balance, as well as reinforce the international leadership capacity of the Spanish System of Science, Technology and Innovation and its agents , contributing to a more competitive business fabric.
Digital Innovation Hubs: helping companies through digital opportunities. The European Commission has published a new brochure on Digital Innovation Hubs and how they help companies make the most of digital opportunities. Digital Innovation Hubs (DIH) are a key pillar of the European Commission's initiative for the digitisation of the European industry.
DIH are non-profit entities that offer comprehensive support services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and public bodies in their digital transformation, their support involves:
Testing before investing: Experimentation with new digital technologies -software and hardware- to understand the new opportunities and return on investment, including pilot tests and demonstrations.
Skills and training to make the most of digital innovation: train-the-trainer programmes, training camps, internships, exchange of curricula and training material.
Support in the search for investment: feasibility studies, development of business plans, incubation and acceleration programmes.
In short, an ecosystem of innovation and networking opportunities through markets and intermediation activities.
