[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Ana Simon is Manager of Disruption and Open Innovation at ACCIO, the agency for business competitiveness of the Generalitat de Catalunya. In her role, she works to connect corporations, startups and technology centers with the aim of accelerating the adaptation of the productive fabric to major disruptive changes. From ERIA we talk to her about the role of ACCIO within the Catalan ecosystem, the challenges of open innovation and what Catalonia needs to make the leap towards being the leading European regions in innovation. <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Catalonia is a \u201cStrong Innovator\u201d region according to the European Commission, with a dynamic technological ecosystem and a solid scientific base. But the global context has accelerated: green transition, digitalization, AI and international competition are redefining the rules of the game.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]In this scenario, ACCIO is a structural piece of Catalan competitiveness. It acts as an orchestrator and connector between business, technology, capital and global markets. It is not only business support, but an instrument of economic policy oriented towards impact: transforming innovative capacity into real competitive advantage. Its differential value is to combine territorial proximity, transversal vision and international connection.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Open innovation is no longer a strategic option, it is a structural necessity. 68.9% of innovative Catalan companies collaborate to innovate (ACCIO Barometer 2025). But today the key is not just to innovate, but to adapt continuously: the pace of business change has almost quadrupled since 2019 (Accenture).[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]At ACCIO we understand open innovation as a mechanism for accelerated adaptation. We open companies to emerging technologies, connect with startups, facilitate pilots with funding and support scaling with local, state and European partners and funds. In essence, it is an architecture to increase the speed of adaptation of the productive fabric.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 68.9% of innovative companies collaborate. Large corporations tend to structure open innovation more; SMEs often innovate more informally. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]The challenge, in a country of SMEs, is to expand the base of companies that innovate on a recurring basis. It is necessary to reduce complexity, support in the definition of the first challenge, reduce risk with proofs of concept and facilitate tools (such as AI) to identify solutions and partners. Large companies have understood the model; their challenge is to scale. The country’s is to make open innovation a cross-cutting culture.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]The main barriers are not technological, but organizational: lack of clear leadership, disconnection with the business, fear of legal or reputational risk.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]At ACCIO we help define challenges aligned with the strategy, connect with the ecosystem and support pilots and scaling with financing. It’s about reducing risk and facilitating real implementation.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]No. It is also essential for SMEs, which often innovate in a more intuitive, less structured way, with more limited resources. Catalonia is an SME economy: this gives flexibility, but less financial muscle. Open innovation allows access to technology, talent and capabilities that individually could not develop. The challenge is to reduce the cost and risk of collaborating.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]The ability to adapt will be more relevant than ever. What is a competitive advantage today may cease to be so in months.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]The great disruption has a name: artificial intelligence. 24% of Catalan companies with more than 9 employees have already incorporated AI (Barometer 2025), but we are only in the first phase. Competitiveness is no longer just productivity, but continuous technological adaptation and generation of new value. The public sector must create conditions to experiment and scale more quickly.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Clear leadership, well-defined strategic challenge, business involvement, dedicated resources, impact measurement and a focus on scalability.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Successful organizations know how to manage the current business while building the next one. Being in the present with an eye on the future.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Treating open innovation as a fad or one-time action, launching vague challenges, not involving the business, doing pilots without thinking about scaling or expecting immediate results.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Without governance and a vision for implementation, it remains an experiment. With method and commitment, it becomes real growth.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Uncertainty management, critical and systemic thinking, technological understanding (especially AI) and humility to constantly learn.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]We have a solid foundation, but leading regions combine high private investment in R&D, large global corporations and very fluid transfer systems.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]The leap requires dimension, investment and scale: more business R&D, stable collaboration, industrial scaling, regulatory simplification and high-impact driver projects.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]More international, more technological (AI and deep tech integrated), more collaborative and more oriented towards social and green impact. With leadership potential in health, biotechnology and green transition.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Above all, an ecosystem that understands that the value is not just innovating, but in continuously adapting. The public sector will have to act increasingly as an ecosystem architect.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]If the public sector evolves into an ecosystem architect, private actors are needed to mobilize capital and assume technological risk. ERIA, Estabanell’s corporate venturing vehicle, can be a key player especially in the field of energy transition.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]We need more corporations that not only innovate internally, but also actively invest in the ecosystem and connect innovation with the real market. Precisely for this ability to combine innovation, investment and impact, Estabanell \u2014through ERIA\u2014 was recognized as a Catalonia Exponential Leader 2025: a program that identifies Catalan companies that lead disruptive transformations with global ambition (2026 call open until March 6!).[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Ana Simon is Manager of Disruption and Open Innovation at ACCIO, the agency for business competitiveness of the Generalitat de Catalunya. In her role, she works to connect corporations, startups and technology centers with the aim of accelerating the adaptation of the productive fabric to major disruptive changes. From ERIA we talk to her about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4947,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4950","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eriainnohub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4950","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eriainnohub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eriainnohub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eriainnohub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eriainnohub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4950"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/eriainnohub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4950\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4964,"href":"https:\/\/eriainnohub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4950\/revisions\/4964"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eriainnohub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4947"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eriainnohub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4950"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eriainnohub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4950"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eriainnohub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4950"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}1.How would you define the role of ACCIO within the Catalan innovation ecosystem?<\/h2>\n
2.How is open innovation promoted from a public institution and what impact does it have?<\/h2>\n
3.What percentage of companies practice open innovation? And what is needed to expand it? <\/h2>\n
4.Main barriers for large companies?<\/h2>\n
5.Is open innovation only for large corporations?<\/h2>\n
6.What trends will mark the future of open innovation in the coming years?<\/h2>\n
7.What do successful projects have in common?<\/h2>\n
8.What common mistakes do companies that start working with open innovation make?<\/h2>\n
9.What skills are key to leading transformation processes?<\/h2>\n
10.What separates us from the \u201cInnovation Leaders\u201d regions?<\/h2>\n
11.How do you imagine the Catalan ecosystem in a few years?<\/h2>\n
12. What role can ERIA play?<\/h2>\n