The Centro Tecnológico de Investigación Multisectorial (Cetim) works on the development of technologies, offering knowledge to different business sectors to incorporate them into their processes and products. With the help of its director, Toni Pons, we discuss its crucial role as a technology partner for companies and administrations, creating value through R&D&I.

What kind of situations could it be useful for a company to contact Cetim?

Primarily when they need support in R&D&I, consultancy or technological trials, as well as for the development of new products that they want to launch on the market and to improve their processes. We are also fundamental when companies are looking for a key strategic partner to help them and complement their research capabilities, providing support to identify other partners to cooperate with and funding for their R&D&I, both nationally and internationally. We adapt to each company's reality and its R&D&I needs. From our areas of expertise (advanced materials, ECO BIO Technologies and Digital Industry) and focused on the circular economy, we provide help to business clients from all sectors to improve their competitiveness.

With what objectives do they come to you and which sectors do you work with?

We are approached by companies and administrations looking for a technology partner to help them create value through research and technological processes. We offer cross-cutting solutions that allow them to create products and technologies with high added value. We help them throughout the process, always supported by the axes of sustainability and digitalisation.

The main sectors we provide support to are forestry and wood, plastics, automotive, construction, waste management, water, ICT, industrial and chemical. In addition, we cooperate with all types of companies, from small to large corporations, as well as with more or less technological companies, and at a national and European level.

What are the main challenges facing the Galician business world?

Being able to offer innovative services and products that respond to the needs of the market, customers and users. They must be comprehensive, sustainable solutions, applicable at a multisectorial and international level, and these products and services must allow them to maintain a profitability that contributes to the growth of the company. In this context, from Cetim we support the Galician business network from our specialisation in sustainability, creating value through R&D&I. We focus our activity on the efficient use of resources, utilisation of by-products and waste, and digitalisation to generate high added value products and optimisation of processes.

Which of your solutions are most in demand by companies?

At Cetim we focus mainly on research, which is always associated with sustainability and digital transformation as main axes. As a centre of reference in the circular economy, we always seek to make any product or solution as sustainable as possible, whether we are working on a new material or developing a new technology.

Of the areas of knowledge in which your activity takes place, is there any area that has more relevance in Galicia?

Our areas of knowledge are applicable across the board. But it is true that, due to the importance of certain sectors in Galicia, the demand linked to them is greater. Our work stands out in forestry and wood, food, construction and in sectors with great potential for growth in the coming years, such as energy and biotechnology.

Are Galician companies innovative, in your opinion?

In general, yes, there is a high percentage of innovative companies, although we must continue working to ensure that mainly SMEs, which have fewer resources, invest in innovation. To this end, in recent years, the Galician Administration has made a great effort in providing resources to finance business innovation. Of course, our work at Cetim will continue to focus on services and improving the competitiveness of companies in Galicia.