Canary Islands' Government Announces New Innovation Framework

Overview

The Canary Islands' Government has formalized a new regulatory framework to promote innovation through public procurement. This order transfers key responsibilities for science, technology, and innovation from the regional economy department to the newly established Universities, Science, and Innovation and Culture department, aiming to foster research and development (R&D) activities that boost economic and social progress.

Focus on Public Innovation Procurement (CPI)

• Central to these efforts is the strategic promotion of 'public innovation procurement' (CPI), a tool designed to stimulate technological development and innovative solutions tailored to community needs.
• With a budget of over 2.7 million euros allocated for 2025, the initiative seeks to support projects that develop innovative products or services, particularly those aligning with regional smart specialization strategies.
• It emphasizes cooperation between public entities and private companies, especially SMEs, to create new market opportunities and improve public services.

Regulatory and Funding Details

• The order establishes clear rules for grant eligibility, project execution, reporting, and control, with an emphasis on transparency and equal opportunity.
• It also underscores the importance of environmental sustainability, requiring projects to align with EU environmental objectives.
• The regulatory bases aim to channel funds into projects with high impact potential, ensuring effective use of public resources while fostering innovation and sustainable development in the Canary Islands.

Broader Implications

This move reflects regional efforts to modernize public services, support local innovation ecosystems, and leverage European funds in line with EU policies on research, innovation, and environmental protection.