For this new stage, CNTA’s general manager, H\u00e9ctor Barbarin, underlines as a priority the transfer of technology to companies through its collaborative innovation space called \u2018Eatex Food Innovation Hub\u2019. This, as he explains, offers different programmes in such a way that its main focus is on research projects at risk. \u2018We do research and only if it is successful and the company incorporates the technology do we pay for it. If there is no success, it is not rewarded. It’s as simple as that.<\/p>\n
At present, the National Centre for Food Technology and Safety has identified a total of 80 technological assets (patents, industrial secrets, protected knowledge, etc.) within Navarra’s SINAI innovation system. Of these, it has selected a dozen that have \u2018particular potential to reach the market\u2019, according to its forecasts.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, with regard to the main challenges facing the agri-food sector in the field of R&D&I, he considers that the main line of work should be focused on ensuring a \u2018healthy and sustainable\u2019 type of food. He also points out that another pending task is the need for the industry to be able to attract talent. \u2018It is a sector that is going to grow, highly technical and attractive for developing a professional career because it is going to be necessary to have qualified technicians at all levels,\u2019 he explains. In this sense, he believes that the entire agri-food value chain should work to create enthusiasm \u2018so that young people feel a sense of job satisfaction from working in CNTA or in any of the companies that make up the rich agri-food fabric of the Autonomous Community of Navarre,\u2019 he concludes.<\/p>\n