Throughout 2024, through the preparation of projects and tenders submitted to European R&D calls, AITEX identified, analysed and defined strategic R&D lines aligned with European priorities and with the organisation’s technological positioning. These activities were complemented by the analysis and preparation of additional initiatives aimed at exchanging experiences, building networks, benchmarking and exploring emerging technological needs, thereby helping to strengthen the definition of internal R&D lines with a medium- and long-term European vision.
As a result of the EU4AITEX2024 project, 19 European projects were submitted, with AITEX coordinating 3 of them. In addition, 3 European projects were negotiated, with AITEX acting as coordinator in 1 and as a partner in 2, and 2 European tenders were coordinated. Furthermore, 3 national projects were submitted in which AITEX participated as a beneficiary under strategic national instruments (including, among others, CDTI CERVERA CCTT and Transmisiones). These actions contributed to improving the competitiveness of the business sector, strengthening access to European funding and the transfer of knowledge to the industrial ecosystem.
In parallel, during 2024 AITEX participated in 32 events linked to European platforms, networks and cooperation initiatives (for example, Textile ETP, BIC, EUMAT, EDA, INTEROP VLAB/INTERVAL and others), where European-level strategic R&D lines were addressed, institutional positioning was strengthened and the establishment of international collaborations was promoted. Most of these participations took place in a virtual format, complemented by occasional in-person attendance with high strategic value.
Additionally, in 2024 AITEX participated in 39 infodays, brokerage events, meetings, workshops and webinars related to European funding programmes, which made it possible to identify current and future funding opportunities, understand requirements and deadlines, compare proposal preparation approaches, and facilitate contacts for partner searches and bilateral meetings. Likewise, 3 relevant training actions were carried out to strengthen capacities for proposal preparation and management, particularly within the framework of Horizon Europe.
Overall, the results achieved significantly exceeded the initially planned objectives, both in terms of volume of participation and intensity of activity and programme coverage, directly contributing to AITEX’s European positioning and to strengthening its capacity to stimulate and attract R&D opportunities at the European level.