Innovation is becoming a firm strategic priority for companies in a landscape defined by geopolitical uncertainty, technological acceleration, and economic transformation. This was the central theme of the presentation of the 8th edition of Ayming’s International Innovation Barometer—a study that captures the perspectives of 850 executives across 17 countries regarding the challenges and trends shaping the sector.
The event, held in the context of the consultancy’s 40th anniversary, brought together representatives from public institutions, the corporate world, and the innovation ecosystem. We thank Ayming for the invitation to participate in a gathering that served both to take the pulse of innovation today and to reflect on the developments of the past forty years.
Spain Leads Europe in R&D Investment
83% of Spanish companies plan to increase their R&D investment—a figure that places Spain at the forefront in Europe. This was announced by Sheila González Arandilla, Innovation Director at Ayming Spain, during the presentation of the key findings from the 8th edition of the Barometer.
The study is based on responses from 850 executives across 17 countries in Europe, North America, and Asia. It follows an edition in which artificial intelligence had already surpassed all other innovation priorities, according to a summary published by Ayming. Business media have also reported that Spain ranks second globally in terms of projected innovation investment through 2027—trailing only the United States—with AI serving as the primary driver of competitive advantage (Demócrata).
Funding, Partnerships, and People at the Core
The opening remarks were delivered by Daniel Calleja y Crespo, Head of the European Commission Representation in Spain, who emphasized the importance of funding in transforming ideas into innovative projects. At a time when Europe is seeking to strengthen its competitiveness, access to resources is what enables talent and research to reach the market.
Teresa Riesgo, Secretary General for Innovation, highlighted the value of collaboration and partnerships, as well as the need to keep people at the heart of technological transformation.
Meanwhile, Carlos Artal de Lara, Managing Director of Ayming Spain, noted that, even after four decades, there remains “a need to ask ourselves new questions in order to respond to a constantly changing environment.”
Data, AI, and Space in the Service of Decision-Making
The event also provided a platform for a technological perspective. Fabrizio Pirondini, CEO of Xoople, spoke with Francisco Marín Pérez, Chairman of the Advisory Board at Ayming Spain, about the potential of data, artificial intelligence, and space technologies to transform decision-making.
The conversation centered on a concept gaining increasing traction within companies: beyond the amount invested, what truly matters is the ability to translate data into better and faster decisions.
Forty Years of Innovation in Spain
Ayming’s 40th anniversary also served as an opportunity to look back. Teresa Riesgo and Carmen Vela—a member of Ayming’s Advisory Board—reviewed four decades of innovation in Spain. They highlighted the country’s role in European R&D&I (research, development, and innovation) programs, the value of talent, and the need to boost the presence of women in the field of innovation.
The broader European context supports this reflection: the 2026 edition of the European Innovation Scoreboard, published by the European Commission on July 9, shows that the EU’s innovation performance improved by 1.7 percentage points between 2025 and 2026, though significant disparities between countries remain (INSME).
Leading in Times of Disruption
The panel discussion “Leading in Times of Disruption,” moderated by Patricia Fernández de Lis of El País, brought together three distinct sectoral perspectives:
- Albert Torres Santolaria, from Capitole, representing R&D-related technology services.
- Luis Arruga Manzano, from Linamar Europe, representing the automotive sector.
- Juan Jesús Narváez, from Fitó Seeds, representing the agricultural sector.
All three shared how technology and digitalization are transforming their respective fields. The fact that the discussion spanned such diverse industries demonstrates that technological disruption is no longer confined to a single sector.
Innovate 4 Tomorrow 2026 Award for Lain Tech
The event included the presentation of the Innovate 4 Tomorrow 2026 Award to Lain Tech, in recognition of their innovative project. It was accepted by their CEO, Eva María Lain. This gesture puts a human face to the data in the Barometer: behind every euro invested in R&D lie specific projects and teams.
An occasion to keep asking questions
The 8th edition of the Barometer offers a clear conclusion: in a changing environment, innovation is a strategic decision, not a luxury. We thank Ayming for the invitation to participate in this event, and we congratulate their entire team on their forty-year journey. Thanks also to the speakers, attendees, and organizations that made this latest edition possible.
