The government of Principality of Asturias has activated a new collaboration framework to strengthen its presence in the main European research, development and innovation programs. The Ministry of Finance, Justice and European Affairs, the Sekuens Agency and the Foundation for the Promotion of Scientific and Technological Research of Asturias have formalized a framework agreement with a clear objective: to improve internal coordination and maximize European fundraising.
The initiative is in line with the European Union’s direct funding guidelines and the regional strategy for the internationalization of science and technology. Asturias thus aims to strengthen its positioning in highly competitive programs such as Horizon Europe and other key community instruments.
A stable framework to be competitive in Europe
The agreement establishes a system of permanent collaboration for the management of European projects in the field of R&D&i. Until now, the Principality’s participation was supported by partial structures and sectoral agreements, which limited the capacity to respond to complex and transversal calls.
With this new model, the aim is to optimize public resources, improve planning and ensure that initiatives with European potential have the necessary technical support from their initial phase. The objective is clear: increase the success rate in calls for proposals and strengthen the institutional presence of Asturias in Brussels.
Expanding the role of FICYT
One of the most important changes is the expansion of the scope of action of the Foundation for the Promotion of Scientific and Technological Research in Asturias (FICYT). Until now, its management of European projects has mainly focused on the field of health, within the framework of a specific agreement with the Ministry of Health.
From 2026, the foundation will be able to take on the management of European initiatives in any area of knowledge, collaborating directly with all regional government ministries. This strengthening consolidates its role as a strategic agent within the regional innovation ecosystem.
Accumulated experience and technical ability
FICYT has consolidated experience in the management of European projects. In its history there are more than 30 funded initiatives, of which 12 correspond to the health field and 15 have been coordinated directly by the foundation. Currently, he is involved in eleven ongoing projects.
In addition to administrative management, the entity offers technical support, specialized training and advice to universities, research centers, companies and public entities interested in participating in programs such as Horizon Europe, EU4Health, Erasmus or CERV.
Institutional coordination as a competitive advantage
The Minister of Finance, Justice and European Affairs, Guillermo Peláez, highlighted that Asturias needs an agile and well-coordinated structure to compete on an equal footing with other European regions. As he explained, the agreement responds to a strategic need: to prevent projects with potential from being left aside due to a lack of support or a lack of administrative coordination.
The Regional Executive considers that this model will make it possible to better anticipate calls, improve the quality of proposals and strengthen the image of the Principality as a reliable partner in European consortia.
A boost to the regional science and innovation system
The Minister of Science, Industry and Employment, Borja Sánchez, highlighted that the previous experience of collaboration with FICYT in the field of health has proven effective. The expansion of its powers is interpreted as a logical step to strengthen the regional system of science, technology and innovation.
The new framework will allow the different actors of the Asturian ecosystem to be integrated in a more coherent way, from fundamental research to technology transfer and commercial innovation.
Connection with European networks
FICYT emphasizes that the agreement not only has an administrative impact, but also a strategic one. The director of the foundation, Mercedes Díaz, indicated that the expansion of functions represents recognition of several decades of experience in European projects and a reinforced commitment to the research and business fabric of Asturias.
For her part, the head of European projects, Inés Rey, highlighted the added value of sharing knowledge and good practices with entities across Europe, a key factor in improving regional competitiveness.
Asturias facing a new European scene
With this agreement, Asturias strengthens its institutional architecture to face the challenges of European financing in a context marked by digital transition, sustainability and technological innovation. The region aspires to consolidate a more active and strategic presence in community programs.
The agreement thus marks a turning in the way in which the Principality approaches the raising of European funds for innovation, with a more solid, coordinated and results-oriented structure, which will be able to define its positioning in Europe in the years to come.
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