Representatives from different departments of the Andalusian Regional Government, Junta de Andalucía, have met with a team of professionals from CTA, within the framework of the S4Andalucía strategy, to analyze opportunities for Andalusia in the Thematic Smart Specialisation Platforms (S3P) of the European Commission (EC).

The objective of the S4Andalucía strategy is to ensure that the regional innovation system becomes an effective driver for the transition towards a smarter and more competitive economy, capable of addressing the challenges of innovation diffusion, digitalisation, and sustainability. The S3 Thematic Platforms (S3P) are coordinated by the European Commission’s DG Regio as instruments to support the effective implementation of Smart Specialisation strategies in a coherent manner across the EU.

During the meeting, David Páez, Director of Consultancy and International Projects at CTA (Technological Corporation of Andalusia), participated alongside several experts from his team. On behalf of the Andalusian Regional Government, attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment; the Directorate-General for Mines; the Andalusian Energy Agency; and the S4 Technical Office (TRADE).

The discussion focused on the support received from the Smart Specialisation Community of Practice (S3 CoP), and participants shared experiences and insights on Andalusia’s involvement in the various platforms. They also aligned their views on the region’s opportunities in preparation for an upcoming meeting in Brussels, convened by the EC’s DG Regio with the different platforms. This meeting will be attended by various representatives from the Andalusian Government and CTA. From CTA, innovation consultants María Alonso and Rafael Castillo will take part.

Specifically, the following Thematic Platforms were analyzed:

• Traceability and Big Data in the agri-food value chain
• Advanced materials for batteries for electromobility and stationary energy storage
• Sustainable Construction
• Solar Industry in European Regions (SIRE)
• Sustainable Blue Maritime Economy
• Mining