The specific objective for Spain is a 2% GERD/GDP with a 55% participation of the private sector. There is no doubt that Spain -in the last few years- has intensified its R&D and innovation-related policies in quantitative terms and by its qualitative aspects. Spain’s total R&D expenditure increased from almost 6.500 billion in 2001 to €13.342 billion in 2007 (respectively 0.95% and 1.27% of its GDP), with a private participation of 56.1%. This trend is based on a substantial increase in both private and public expenditures. Also the policy mix was clearly reinforced by the implementation of new instruments within the framework of the INGENIO 2010 initiative of 2006. Therefore Spain seems to be moving in the right direction to reach its goals in terms of R&D expenditure proposed by the Lisbon strategy. However, it has still to close the gap with the most advanced countries.

This analytical country report is one of 33 reports for EU Member and Associated States prepared as part of ERAWATCH. ERAWATCH is a joint initiative of the European Commission's Directorates General for Research and Joint Research Centre. For further information on ERAWATCH see http://cordis.europa.eu/erawatch. Analysis of policy mixes to foster R&D investment and to contribute to the ERA. Comments on this report are welcome and should be addressed to Mariana Chioncel (Mariana.Chioncel@ec.europa.eu).