In 2009, the revenues generated by FEDIT’s technology centers rose by 8.57%, while new business carried out by these centers in the market grew by around 10%, accounting for 60% of their sales. FEDIT, the Spanish Federation of Technology Centers, is one of the main private sector agents for R&D+i in Spain and the leading supplier of research and development services to companies. Its mission is to promote and support innovation, technological development and research among companies and in society. The Federation is made up of 51 technology centers that together employ more than 7,600 people to provide service to some 31,500 companies every year. These figures make FEDIT one of the most active agents in the Spanish Innovation System.
Funding from participation in international programs by these centers grew by 22.79%, highlighting the international competitiveness of their R&D+i work.
Investment in human resources at FEDIT-member technology centers also remains strong. In 2009 the increase in employee numbers outstripped the rise in revenues, emphasizing their commitment to generating employment; while revenues increased by 8.57%, the number of doctors in the workforce rose by 29.6% and research staff increased by 15.69%.
These figures highlight how the centers have adapted their strategies to the new conditions of their budgetary and economic environment, where public spending cuts are moving them to step up their commercial activities and use technology transfer to increase the returns on their investments.