AERTIC is launching a Data Research Center

AERTIC, the Innovative Business Association for the Technology, Digitalization, and Digital Economy Sectors in La Rioja, is taking a decisive step forward in its evolution with the support of the Data Research Center, an initiative that reinforces its commitment to the region’s economic development and digital transformation. After more than 14 years leading innovation and business collaboration projects, this new center was created as a strategic response to an increasingly digitized economic environment.

La Rioja's digital ecosystem has experienced significant growth in recent years. Between 2018 and 2023, companies affiliated with AERTIC increased their revenue by 94.6%, reaching 473.1 million euros, and increased the number of jobs created by more than 166%, rising from 2,138 to 5,698 jobs according to the latest available data.

This growth is taking place against a national backdrop in which the digital economy already accounts for 24.2% of GDP, with an impact of more than 353,000 million euros. Although La Rioja falls below the national average in terms of the digital sector's contribution to GDP (19.9% compared to 21%), it is showing growing digital intensity and has high potential for development.

The Data Research Center, It was launched with a multisectoral approach and without geographical boundaries: From La Rioja, to the world. The goal is clear: “To promote socioeconomic development through research into digital technologies centered on data.”

Objectives

The center is being built on the AEI AERTIC framework, with the goal of eventually joining the Network of State Technology Centers as a Technology Center. AERTIC’s solid track record speaks for itself: Between 2019 and 2024, it managed 79 projects in R&D&I, mobilizing 42 companies and capturing 19.9 million in euros in funding, compared to the 1.8 million secured through 2018. This progress reflects a solid strategy aligned with programs such as Horizon Europe and the Next Generation EU Funds.

The Center focuses on data-driven technologies, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT) and the cloud computing. These tools will make it possible to develop advanced digital solutions and position La Rioja as a leader in innovation across all sectors of the economy

Main Activities

The center focuses its activities on three key areas: Industry and the Digital Economy, digital society and digital administration. Its main areas of focus include:

Position La Rioja as a leader in the digital economy.
Promote the creation of proprietary digital product.
Attract major strategic projects to the region in direct collaboration with companies in the sector.
Promote collaboration and technology transfer to various sectors.
Attract and Retain talent digital and researcher.
Connecting businesses, government, and universities in a collaborative ecosystem.

The center's organizational structure is centered around the General Assembly and a Board of Directors that includes business representatives. Plans call for the incorporation of institutional partners and non-tech companies committed to digital transformation, which reinforces the model's inclusive and collaborative nature.

Among the benefits offered by the technology center are:

Through this initiative, AERTIC aims to put La Rioja on the map of technological innovation, turning it into a magnet for talent and helping to drive the digital economy and build a competitive, resilient, and sustainable model.

The Data Research Center is currently working on an Action Plan with two goals: to strengthen their identity and build a network of partnerships to multiply their impact. Within this roadmap, the most important goal is to secure enrollment in the Registration with the Ministry of Science and Innovation’s Registry of Technology Centers and Centers Supporting Technological Innovation, as a Technology Center.

We are collaborating with other associations and technology centers, partner and external companies, and a committed professional community, while carrying out projects and seeking new opportunities for collaboration and funding in R&D&I and talent, to accelerate the digital transformation and the development of the digital economy in La Rioja.

Applied data research.
R&D&I Project Office.
Digital Economy Observatory.
Challenges in Artificial Intelligence.
Knowledge and Training Network.
Supporting tech startups.

Accelerating regional digitization.
Generation of skilled jobs.
Public-Private Partnership and cross-sectoral.
Attraction investment and talent.
Raising Awareness of the La Rioja's digital potential.