The province of Guipuzcoa, in the Basque Autonomous Community of Spain, has Spain‘s highest density of universities and research and technology centres, including: seven Institutes for Competitiveness and Cooperative Research, three industrial clusters, three universities, and six renowned research institutes. With a turnover in excess of EUR13 billion in 2008 and over 10,000 highly qualified professionals engaged in industrial research, aerospace, communications, and electronics, this small region has become a hub of technology and innovation.

Behind this profile lies an industrial framework that actively promotes research and is fully supported by both the local public administration and the Basque autonomous government. This foundation enables advanced research in the fields of aerospace, communications, and electronics, which is transferred to partners in the industrial sector and thus brings innovative and competitive products directly to market.

In addition to large integrators such as Sener, IKUSI, and Gamesa, there are many other specialised SMEs that cover the entire supply chain for aerospace, communications, and electronics products.

The Provincial Council of Guipuzcoa is committed to deepening its engagement in supporting technological innovation and competitiveness and thereby promoting an environment for industrial development and economic progress.
Aware of the importance of communications and navigation technologies – and that the growth of service industries fundamentally affects the global economy – the Council has fostered a climate for business investment in research and has created several programmes to fund start-ups, assist SMEs, and support research centres. Its principal objective is to promote development in the region through initiatives that encourage economic growth and job creation.
The Bic Gipuzkoa Berrilan Centre for Business Innovation (CBI), founded by the Council and the Basque Department of Industry, is engaged in a complete set of activities aimed at supporting any innovative business initiative and the incubation of new enterprises.