From left to right: Félix Zamora, M. Paloma Sánchez, Teresa Riesgo, Amaya Mendikoetxea, José Antonio Pinilla y José Ramón Seoane
On 6 October, at the Faculty of Economics and Business of the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), the first Breakfast with Innovation of the UAM-ASSECO Chair took place under the title “The new Science Law. Potential effects on business innovation”.
The breakfast was attended by Teresa Riesgo, Secretary General for Innovation, Ministry of Science and Innovation of the Spanish Government, and José Antonio Pinilla, President and CEO of Asseco Spain, and President of the UAM-Asseco Chair. The event was chaired by the UAM´s Rector, Amaya Mendikoetxea.
Teresa Riesgo gave a general description of the new Science Law, and explained how it could contribute to improving the Spanish scientific system. In addition, she presented several data that can help to understand the role of the Spanish scientific system in comparison with the world context.
These data show how the Spanish science system has a high scientific output, ranking around tenth in comparison with other countries regarding the number of articles published.
She also raises the existence of challenges associated with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) promoted by the United Nations, with particular attention to the gender gap. The implementation of this new Law takes the 2022 Roadmap for Spain as a starting point, published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which suggests collaboration between Science and Business. Other aspects such as scientific careers, funding and reduction of administrative burdens have also been considered to attract more and better talent.
José Antonio Pinilla then gave his speech as a reply. First, he analysed the current context of the world economy, with macroeconomic prospects that may represent difficulties for small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up the majority of the Spanish business sector. This situation is undoubtedly favourable for companies to carry out innovation activities, mainly through partnerships with universities. However, many administrative obstacles often complicate the transfer of knowledge, and can be a significant barrier for small companies with few resources. Finally, he raised several questions and concerns about the new Law.
Teresa Riesgo answered the questions from José Antonio Pinilla, highlighting the improvement that Spain was already showing in the generation and transmission of knowledge in the scientific system before the new Law, and how it seeks to enhance this improvement already initiated. It is expected that companies will be one of the agents that will benefit most from the new Law, through initiatives such as incorporating talent.
Finally, the director of the UAM-Asseco Chair, Paloma Sánchez, mentioned the relevance of the collaboration between university and business, and how this new Law can help to promote and reinforce this collaboration, giving way to a rich debate between the speakers and the attendees of the Breakfast with Innovation.
The event was closed by Félix Zamora, Vice-Rector for Transfer, Innovation and Culture of the UAM.
