R&D&I Policies Network
General Description
The R&D&I Policy Network, better known as the RDI Network, is a thematic network linked to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The RDI Network emerged at the end of 2010 as a multi-level strategic coordination instrument to support research, development and innovation in Spain.
The network’s main objective is to coordinate the different agents of the Spanish Science, Technology and Innovation System to optimize the design and development of public support frameworks for R+D+I, thus favoring the mobilization of resources and access to financing from the European cohesion policy and, in particular, the ERDF. This main overall objective is complemented by a number of specific objectives:
- Facilitate coordination and cooperation between the administrations responsible for R+D+I policies and the management of FEDER funds of the AGE and CC. AA.
- Avoid overlapping in the definition of programs and in the use of R+D+I resources.
- Support the preparation, monitoring and evaluation of the requirements and criteria of the favorable condition included in the FEDER regulation in relation to R&D&I.
- Promote the exchange of information, participatory communication and dissemination of activities and main achievements.
Based on these objectives, the RDI Network’s activities are organized through its work plans, which are usually annual. They fall within the framework of the RDI Network Strategic Plan 2021-2027, published in April 2023. The operation of the IDI Network is included in its Internal Regulations.
At present, the network and its various activities are directly linked to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)’s policy objective 1, “a more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity”. It is also co-financed through technical assistance axis 13 of the Regional Operational Programme of Spain (POPE) and by the CDTI, E.P.E, the Spanish innovation agency under the Ministry of Science and Innovation, which is currently responsible for the Technical Secretariat.
For its part, the IDI Network is considered one of the agents of the Spanish Science, Technology and Innovation System (SECTI), which is made up of all public and private coordination, financing and implementation agents and their relationships, structures, measures and actions for the promotion, development and support of R&D&I policy in Spain.
Structure of the RDI Network
The most relevant actors in Spain's RDI policy ecosystem are part of the RDI Network structure. There are three levels of representation: at a European, national and regional level; and also three distinct bodies: the Standing Committee, the Plenary and the Technical Secretariat.
- The Standing Committee is shared by the Ministry with competences in European Funds, specifically with competences in the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and by the Ministry with competences in R+D+I Policies. The European Commission may play the role of Advisory body to the Standing Committee, at his request.
- The Plenary is the body made up of all network members and serves as the main meeting point for all of them.
- The Technical Secretariat, as the main body of support to the Standing Committee, provide technical assistance as necessary to ensure the proper performance of its functions. The Technical Secretariat is currently run by the CDTI, E.P.E. as part of its Institutional Promotion and Territorial Cooperation Department.