
Basque Industry 4.0 – Technology transference of electronics & ICTs for advanced manufacturing

About this good practice
Basque research centres have plenty of industry 4.0 technologies available to be transferred. Therefore, Basque authorities included a transference programme in its innovation policy mix of advanced manufacturing: Basque Industry 4.0. It supports industrial research and experimental development projects that involve the transference of the following technologies from research centres to manufacturing companies:
- Cybersecurity & industrial communications
- Cloud Computing
- Big Data
- Advanced Analytics & Business Intelligence
- Collaborative robotics
- Augmented reality
- Artificial vision
- Sensor systems
- Design & additive manufacturing
- Advanced materials & processes
Projects must have a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) from 5 to 9. Their minimum budget is €75,000 and the maximum duration is 16 months. They can get a subsidy up to the 25% of the eligible costs.
This programme could be considered a good practice as it complements the Basque innovation policy mix for advanced manufacturing by supporting manufacturing companies adopting industry 4.0 technologies in the short-term taking the most from existing knowledge in the region.
Expert opinion
This practice is an example of a regional authority actively supporting knowledge transfer within a evolving technology area, to secure the competitiveness of the regional industry, and by extension support the regional economy. The practice underlines how there is supply of new technologies thanks to regional research centres, as well as a regional target group represented by the manufacturing companies. Thus the investment in technology transference is way to capitalise on previously funded research and development and make sure the results are utilised. Successful transfer of a programme like this requires not only an industry in demand of new technology, but also knowledge providers. For regions with the right circumstances, the practice can likely provide valuable lessons.
Resources needed
The programme owner is the Department of Economic Development and Infrastructures of the Basque Government.
Evidence of success
Potential for learning or transfer
Basque Industry 4.0 reflects the need to define programmes adapted especially to advanced manufacturing, a RIS3 priority in the Basque Country, in order to introduce disruptive technologies that could make a great contribution to manufacturing companies’ competitiveness.
Thus, this programme has a great potential of transferability to other regions that need to face the challenge of fostering the adoption of cutting-edge technologies resulted from previous R&D activities of research centres among manufacturing companies.
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Regional Government of País Vasco
