FUNDECYT-PCTEX Strengthens International Research Collaboration in Germany, Finland, Poland, and Belgium
A total of four knowledge expeditions across Europe, organised by FUNDECYT-PCTEX throughout 2024, have enabled companies, research centres, and the University of Extremadura to showcase their innovative projects, find strategic partners, and position Extremadura as a reference in sustainability, bioeconomy, and digital technology.
Through these knowledge expeditions, FUNDECYT-PCTEX provides a comprehensive service to facilitate the internationalisation of R&D in Extremadura and boost the participation of research centres and scientists in major European R&D funding calls, such as Horizon Europe.
Organisations such as the Centre for Scientific and Technological Research of Extremadura (CICYTEX), the University of Extremadura, the Iberian Centre for Energy Storage Research (CIIAE), and the Technological Institute for Ornamental Rocks and Construction Materials (INTROMAC), among others, have been able to participate in key European events, increasing visibility for the region’s scientific contributions and enhancing success in joining international consortia and securing funding for research projects.
An example of this is the involvement of businesses and researchers from Extremadura in international events and high-level meetings, facilitating interactions with major European R&D networks to address shared challenges in sustainability, health, water management, renewable energy, and other areas.
CONNECTING WITH EUROPEAN INNOVATION AND FUNDING
The knowledge expeditions took place throughout 2024 at key moments:
- Düsseldorf, Germany (February): Companies and entities such as CICYTEX, Fundesalud, and the University of Extremadura identified strategic collaborations in digitalisation, energy, and sustainable agriculture, attracting the interest of international partners for joint initiatives under Horizon Europe.
- Seinäjoki, Finland (June): Extremadura researchers from CICYTEX actively participated in the ERIAFF conference (European Regions for Innovation in Agriculture, Food and Forestry Network), learning about international practices in resilience and sustainability in the agricultural sector and establishing connections with potential partners for future interregional collaborations.
- Warsaw, Poland (October): Representatives from the University of Extremadura’s Research and Business Development Support Services, INTROMAC, and CIIAE exchanged experiences on bioeconomy and industrial sustainability, securing agreements with Poland’s KlasterBio and the University of Economics in Bratislava, as well as confirming their participation in international research initiatives like the BIO4Industry Cluster Initiative.
- Brussels, Belgium: An Extremadura delegation comprising the University of Extremadura and CICYTEX participated in a Horizon Europe workshop to optimise their involvement in European innovation projects, aligning their proposals with the EU’s strategic priorities.
Specialised technicians from FUNDECYT-PCTEX provide these services through the European Projects Office of the Extremadura System for Science, Technology, and Innovation (OPE-SECTI). These public and free-of-charge services can be accessed via the website www.opesecti.es. All these activities are co-funded by the FEDER Extremadura Programme 2021–2027 as part of the R&I Internationalisation Initiative.
