In recent years, Madrid has acquired growing importance as a leading industrial and economic region. Aware of this growth and new international dynamics, it is developing a proposal to unite with those regions where, like itself, development policies are being rolled out around Technology Parks and Clusters. In this way, links with regions on the US north eastern seaboard, Silicon Valley, Bavaria, Paris, London, emerging Ireland, Shanghai and the most important freight ports are beginning to become a reality
An international Contact Network bringing together the most innovative regions that allows the idea of Madrid as a region of technological excellence to be strengthened in order to facilitate the inclusion of European businesses and researchers in international projects.
It is important for Madrid businesses to be a part of international networks comprising the most advanced Centres in order to improve their ability for innovation.
The Network is the natural framework where Madrid businesses and researchers find members and alliances to develop R&D&i projects with a global perspective, as well as a way to present highly interesting projects in the 7th Framework Programme and other European programmes.
For this, a series of regions is proposed that stand out for having strategic or interesting sectors like those covered in Madrid Clusters and that have achieved important effects for economic growth.
The regions which have been chosen to form part of the Network and with which more or less advanced cooperation agreements already exist, are as follows:
- Helsinki, due to its specialisation in ICT and mobility, with a great capacity to generate highly-qualified human resources. There is a cooperation agreement with the Regional Development Agency and bilateral meetings between specific sector businesses have been planned.
- Stockholm, due to its specialisation in the audiovisual, biotechnology and finance sectors. url ¿?? Ile de France, which as the region surrounding Paris is the most important in France, with competitive clusters in biotechnology, finance, aerospace, audiovisual and ICT.
- Bavaria, as the most advanced region in Germany, with specialisation in aerospace, automobiles, ICT, biotechnology and finance. More info: http://www.bavaria.org/
- Silicon Valley, due to it being the most innovative region in the world. More info: http://www.siliconvalleyonline.org/
- Hong Kong, as the most developed and western-minded entry point to China. In addition, in Hong Kong itself there are great technology cooperation opportunities.