EVOLUTION EUROPE 2023+

The Telecommunications Technology Center of Galicia (Gradiant), after 14 years of existence, has become a well-established center not only at the regional level, but increasingly as a reference center at the national and European levels in the field of communication and digital technologies. Since its founding in 2008, Gradiant has followed a steadily upward path, remaining faithful to its founding mission: to carry out excellent applied research that generates market-oriented results, capable of being transferred to the industrial fabric. This contributes to greater industrial competitiveness, economic sustainability, and the creation of high-quality employment.

Gradiant’s operational model combines the generation of research assets and outcomes through R&D&I projects with collaborative work with companies, through commissioned project contracts or agreements (licenses) for the exploitation or transfer of mature results. In this framework, R&D&I projects are essential for Gradiant as they feed the portfolio of future assets to be transferred to the industry.

It is in this context that the European Union’s Framework Programmes for R&D&I become a key element. Since its first FP7 project in 2010, Gradiant has leveraged these programmes thanks to their highly attractive funding conditions. Additionally, their structure fosters excellence and internationalization, as they require collaboration with organizations from other EU countries. The downside, however, is the difficulty in securing funding due to the high number of applicants attracted by these favorable conditions—resulting in effective success rates ranging from 3% to 20%, depending on the specific call.

Gradiant approaches this project with the aim of making a qualitative and quantitative leap in its R&D&I activities by developing innovative projects at the European level and adopting a proactive stance in participating in consortia under the Horizon Europe programme. The goal is to strengthen collaboration with other innovation centers and companies at both national and European levels, generating transferable outcomes that reinforce Gradiant’s position as a key player within the Spanish Science, Technology and Innovation System (SECTI).

Achieving this goal will require efficient planning of activities that allow Gradiant to identify its own potential as well as that of its business environment for participation in Horizon Europe. Therefore, a strengthened version of the European Projects Office will be necessary, including the specialization and training of its staff, as well as the development of new management protocols and methodologies to meet the challenges posed by Horizon Europe for an entity like Gradiant. At the same time, Gradiant aims to empower its key internal researchers to take on greater leadership roles at the international level, always under the coordination of the European Projects Office.

This project and the associated funding expected from this call will be essential to give Gradiant a significant boost, helping consolidate the internationalization process that began some time ago, and positioning Gradiant as a strategic partner in the field of communication and digital technologies, both within the business sector and among research organizations participating in the Horizon Europe programme.