The AERTIC Data Research Center and Adigital Sign an Agreement to Promote Joint Innovation Projects
The Innovative Business Association for the Technology, Digitalization, and Digital Economy Sectors in La Rioja will join the Spanish Association for the Digital Economy as a member
Adigital, the most influential business association in Spain's digital economy, will be a partner of the Data Research Center, which is promoted by AERTIC
Adigital, a leader in emerging technologies and artificial intelligence regulation, and AERTIC, with its extensive experience in innovation, are collaborating through the Data Research Center to promote projects that enhance competitiveness and business development
A top-tier technological and strategic alliance between two leading organizations in their sector was announced today in Logroño.
The headquarters of the Federation of Businesses of La Rioja (FER) served as the venue for the collaboration agreement signed by the Data Research Center—a project promoted by the Innovative Business Group of the Technology Industry Sector, Digitalization, and the Digital Economy in La Rioja (AERTIC), and the Spanish Association for the Digital Economy (Adigital), an organization that represents the largest ecosystem of technology-based companies in Spain, bringing together more than 500 companies from the main sectors of activity.
The president of AERTIC, Ignacio Gurría de la Torre, and the president of Adigital, Susana Voces, have signed this strategic agreement, under which both organizations will collaborate to promote technology and innovation projects.
This will be one of the key issues among a wide range of topics, initiatives, and collaborative efforts.
In addition to the presidents, other representatives of business groups participated in the signing of this agreement, such as the CEO of Adigital, César Tello and Adigital's Director of Innovation, Jon Lizaso. Representing the Data Research Center and AERTIC, the secretary general of AERTIC and executive director of the Data Research Center, Laura Urbieta and the Center's technical and scientific director, Sara Madariaga.
The collaboration agreement addresses a key aspect: the reciprocal inclusion of both AERTIC and Adigital as partners. This integration underscores the significance of the agreement and highlights the potential and capacity to promote large-scale technology projects developed by both organizations.
“One of our goals is to promote Spain as a leading global digital hub, and through agreements like the one we signed today, we are one step closer to achieving this goal.” points out Susana Voces, president of Adigital.
Areas of collaboration covered by the collaboration agreement
The agreement between the Data Research Center and Adigital covers other areas of collaboration.
The first of these will be to promote this collaboration among their respective members, with the goal of fostering the exchange of knowledge and opportunities among them, and organizing B2B meetings, forums, or working groups that encourage strategic alliances.
Second, both entities will promote joint innovation projects, either by identifying R&D&I initiatives among companies or by fostering technology transfer and public-private cooperation.
The president of AERTIC, Ignacio Gurría, stated that “For the Center, it is essential to build networks of knowledge and collaboration. The combination of Adigital’s expertise in emerging technologies and issues such as AI regulation, along with AERTIC’s experience in innovation, means this collaboration has great potential for success. According to the report The Digital Economy in Spain by Adigital, the digital economy grew to account for 26% of GDP in 2024, accelerating significantly compared to previous years. “This report has served as a benchmark for AERTIC in defining its new strategic direction and in promoting projects aimed at strengthening digitalization and innovation in La Rioja.”
A third aspect of the agreement concerns the acquisition of public and European funding through joint projects that provide access to regional, national, European (Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, etc.), and international funding. In addition, the parties will collaborate on drafting proposals and identifying partners for calls for proposals.
The agreement addresses the design and delivery of specialized courses, workshops, and seminars on technology, big data, AI, and digital transformation, and promotes the training of professionals in advanced digital skills.
And finally, promoting the Data Research Center is a key priority.
This objective will be achieved by promoting the infrastructure and services of the technology center managed by AERTIC among Adigital's members.
About AERTIC
AERTIC, the Innovative Business Association for the Technology, Digitalization, and Digital Economy Sectors in La Rioja, was founded in 2010 as an evolution of the Association of ICT Companies of La Rioja, which was established in 2006. Its origins stem from the convergence of common interests among companies in the areas of business, specialization, R&D&I, internationalization, and talent, with a particular focus on the agri-food sector and internet services. After more than 14 years of activity, a decisive step toward its consolidation was taken in 2024 with the launch of the Data Technologies Research Center, which reinforces its commitment to innovation.
Since then, AERTIC has established itself as a driving force behind La Rioja’s digital transformation, fostering business, economic, and employment growth in the sector. Between 2019 and 2024, it has managed 79 R&D&I projects with an investment of over 93 million euros, attracting 16.5 million in external funding and fostering collaboration among a large portion of its 104 members in joint initiatives. Its activities focus on strategic areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and Industry 4.0, positioning La Rioja as an emerging hub for technological and digital innovation in Spain.
About Adigital
Adigital, the Spanish Association for the Digital Economy, represents the largest ecosystem of technology-based companies in Spain, bringing together more than 500 companies from the main sectors of activity. Our members include major Spanish technology companies, unicorns, and scaleups, as well as innovative SMEs and global leaders in digitalization and innovation. The association’s mission is to strengthen Spain’s leadership in the digital economy by promoting human-centered, sustainable, and responsible digitalization in the service of collective progress.