General Secretariat for Innovation

The General Secretariat for Innovation exercises management functions in the fields of science, innovation and universities, as well as the promotion of the objectives and the performance of its organisation's projects.

The functions of the General Secretariat for Innovation are also:

• The management of the powers attributed to the department in terms of innovation.
• The strategic management of the Public Business Entity Centre for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI) and the strategic coordination of the Spanish Space Agency.
• The management of operational programmes co-financed by European Union funds.
• The coordination of activities to promote strategic areas in the area of innovation.
• The issuance of reasoned reports relating to compliance with scientific and technological requirements for the purpose of applying and interpreting tax deductions for research and development activities and technological innovation.
• The accreditation and management of the register of Innovative SMEs on bonuses in the Social Security contribution of research staff.
• The promotion of public innovation procurement.
• The management of actions related to the “Innpulso Network — Network of Cities of Science and Innovation”.
• The promotion of joint programmes with Autonomous Communities and local authorities in the area of innovation.
• Relations and coordination with other units, bodies and agencies of the General State Administration responsible for innovation policies and sectoral policies closely related to them.
• The relations, participation and representation of the ministry in organisations, programmes and work groups on innovation in strategic sectors at national and international levels.
• The coordination, design, implementation and evaluation of strategies, programmes and initiatives in the field of innovation in public policies.
• The coordination of the contribution to national strategies and plans in the field of innovation.
• The promotion of design as a lever for innovation and as an instrument for the transformation and modernisation of public administration.
• The management of national innovation and design awards.
• The coordination of the activity of the PERTE Aerospace Inter-Ministerial Working Group and the PERTE Aerospace Alliance.
• The coordination and promotion of the design, implementation and monitoring of PERTE Aerospace initiatives within the scope of the General State Administration.
• The enhancement of collaboration with other Public Administrations and public-private collaboration for the correct implementation of PERTE Aerospace measures.
• The promotion of strategies, policies and measures that promote the Spanish aerospace sector.
• The coordination of State aid, within the scope of its powers, with the State Research Agency and the Centre for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI).

This General Secretariat consists of the following governing bodies:

• The General Subdirectorate for the Promotion of Innovation.
• The General Subdirectorate for Innovation Policies.
• The General Subdirectorate for Aerospace Policy and Strategy.

The following are attached to this General Secretariat:

• Spanish Space Agency (AEE).
• Centre for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI).

General Secretariat: Ms. Teresa Riesgo Alcaide