The Autonomous Community of Navarra already has an industrial ecosystem that favours the conditions for the implementation of digital services projects for companies. For example, it has practically achieved electricity self-sufficiency, it has redoubled its commitment to vocational training over the last decade and it also has IRIS, an innovation hub with a portfolio of 150 services available to companies and organisations.
According to the Energy Balance of Navarra 2023, practically 100% of the electricity consumed in the region comes from its own production, thanks to a diversified energy mix that includes hydroelectric plants, wind farms, photovoltaic, thermal and combined cycle facilities. Moreover, renewable sources already outnumber fossil fuels in the total energy consumed, underlining the region’s commitment to sustainability and energy transition.
On the other hand, the arrival of European funds represents a unique opportunity to promote emerging companies from Navarra in strategic sectors such as microelectronics and chip-based technologies. According to President María Chivite, these resources offer the possibility of creating companies that are not only looking for innovation, but also for talent, a resource that Navarra has in abundance thanks to its university environment and the strengthening of Vocational Training. The latter has reached historic enrolment figures, with more than 16,600 students in this academic year, an increase of 35% since 2019. In addition, the educational offer continues to grow with new proposals designed to adapt to the demands of the business fabric.
Thirdly, the industrial fabric of Navarre, which represents more than 30% of GDP, stands out as a fundamental economic pillar, above the Spanish and European averages. In addition to this, there is a continuous effort in innovation, with 1.8% of GDP allocated to R&D&I, exceeding the national average. This effort is also reflected in initiatives such as IRIS, the digital innovation hub led by the Government of Navarre. With a portfolio of 150 services and managed by NASERTIC, IRIS brings together the region’s key agents to accelerate the digital transformation of companies and organisations.
Thus, with its commitment to energy sustainability, technological innovation, the strengthening of the industrial fabric and the training of talent, Navarra continues to advance as a region that successfully faces global challenges while leading sustainable, competitive and future-oriented solutions. This is at least what the regional president, María Chivite, conveyed to the Minister of Digital Transformation and Public Administration, Óscar López, during their recent meeting in Madrid.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ICT SECTOR IN NAVARRA
As reflected in our ‘Strategic Sectors’ section, the ICT sector in Navarre is made up of around 200 companies that employ 3,500 people and have a turnover of around 280 million euros, with a constant search for innovation. Its activities include the automation of production processes, followed by cybersecurity and the management of infrastructures and systems.
Despite being a relatively young sector, as the vast majority of the companies in it have been set up in the last 20 years, it has experienced significant growth due to the sophisticated demand from local and multinational companies in the renewable energy, health, food, automotive and public sectors in our region. The ICT sector has been of vital importance in the development of Smart Grids for renewable energy and in sensor networks for applications in the Agro or E-health sector. More information on the following link.
Source: navarra.es