A new coalition is set to create an innovative ecosystem in Spain. The Royal Academy of Engineering sponsors the Forum E2 I2, to unite innovation actors with allies including RedEmprendia, la Fundación Transforma España, el Foro de Empresas Innovadoras and European Institute of Innovation and Technology.

The Royal Academy of Engineering together with the experts of Insight Foresight Institute (IFI) coordinates the Forum E2 I2 + Education + Entrepreneurship + Innovation + Investment, a meeting point of experts from member companies and the world of academia seeking to address the major challenges in these areas in a coordinated manner.

“This is to encourage understanding what’s working and what must be improved,” says Elijah Ferreres, president of the Royal Academy of Engineering.

“Now we have an opportunity to do different things. The ecosystem allows us to guide new policies, in academia and in the corporate world, “explains Senen Barro, president of the RedEmprendia.

“This is to introduce innovation beyond the ICT sectors such as textiles or the food sector, which accounts for over 20% of Spanish GDP, “says José Molero, president of the Forum for Innovative Enterprises. He adds: “we must create a strategic framework with new policies”.

Meanwhile, Eduardo Serra, president of fundación Transforma España, points to the lack of collaboration between the different actors. “In countries like USA exists flexibility and relationship between different sectors. The professors go to companies, etc.. However in Spain there are a great reluctance to produce these relationships.”

José Manuel Leceta, chairman of IFI (director of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology at the time of the forum kick-off) also points to the importance of a comprehensive approach to economic transformation, education and business to promote innovation ecosystem.

For further information: Jose Manuel Leceta