He presented his applied research model, his close relationship with industry, and his experience with European programs to the leaders
Established in 2010 through the merger of eight technology centers in the Basque Country, Tecnalia is a private applied research center and one of the leading technology players in Spain and Europe. Its mission is to transform scientific knowledge into economic and social value by developing technologies that enhance industrial competitiveness and address global challenges.
The Leaders met with representatives from the organization at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. Elena Schaeidt (Corporate Development Director), Leyre Madariaga (European Affairs and Public Agenda Director), and Shandra Cordobés (Head of R&D Programmes) explained the organization's structure, its relationships with companies, and its experience with international projects, with a particular focus on opportunities offered by Horizon Europe.
As Elena Schaeidt explained, Tecnalia’s activities center primarily on applied research and technological development, working closely with companies and other stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem. The organization has a workforce of approximately 1,500 people—including 350 PhD holders—representing 29 nationalities.
A key feature is the center's integration into the European landscape of Research and Technology Organizations (RTOs). Tecnalia actively participates in international networks comprising such organizations and maintains relationships with technology centers across various countries, facilitating the formation of consortia and the exchange of knowledge and strategies.
Applied research and industry connections
Tecnalia representatives explained that the organization's activities are structured around technological areas such as the energy transition, the circular economy, sustainable mobility, urban ecosystems, health, food, advanced manufacturing, and digital transformation.
Relationships with companies form one of the pillars of the model. Since its inception, Tecnalia has worked with around 10,000 clients, approximately three-quarters of which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This experience allows the organization to gain firsthand insight into companies' needs and challenges, translating them into technological challenges and applied research projects. Furthermore, it establishes long-term relationships based on teamwork to define technology strategies, identify needs, and develop projects.
Other mechanisms Tecnalia uses to bring its technologies to market include licensing and the creation of spin-off companies.
Extensive experience in Horizon Europe
Next, Shandra Cordobés took the floor to discuss Tecnalia's participation in European research programs. She noted that the center maintains an active presence in Horizon Europe and that a significant portion of its revenue comes from collaborative European projects.
Tecnalia participates in consortia alongside companies, universities, and other research centers, assuming various roles depending on the specific characteristics of each project. European participation also enables it to work with Spanish and European companies and facilitate their involvement in international projects.
Within Horizon Europe, Tecnalia has experience across various clusters of Pillar II, including those related to climate, energy and mobility; digital transformation and industry; food and the bioeconomy; and security. According to Shandra Cordobés, these are highly competitive fields, making advance preparation and partner selection crucial.
EU–Australia collaboration
Australia’s entry as a member country into Pillar I of the Horizon Europe program will, according to representatives from Tecnalia, strengthen cooperation among researchers, universities, technology centers, and companies in both countries.
Australian institutions, they noted, can contribute specific capabilities, knowledge of particular markets, and access to networks that complement the capabilities of European partners. Furthermore, collaboration should not be approached solely from a funding perspective, but also in terms of the scientific, technological, and industrial value each participant brings to the project.
Recommendations for leaders and their institutions to make the most of Australia’s new status in Horizon Europe include: first, beginning work on proposals before calls for proposals are published. Second, it is important to clearly articulate the capabilities each partner brings, the results they can develop, and the added value they offer the consortium.
The utility of the Funding & Tenders Portal, existing EU-funded projects, and partner-search events was also highlighted as a means to identify opportunities and connect with organizations already experienced in the program.
Meeting attendees:
Elena Schaeidt, Corporate Development Director
Leyre Madariaga, European Affairs and Public Agenda Director
Shandra Cordobés, Head of R&D Programmes
