Finland Provides Innovative Focus in Spain’s Sustainable and Digital Transformation Through EU RRF Collaboration
Strategic partnerships between Finnish companies and Spanish authorities aim to boost green hydrogen production and smart city initiatives, leveraging EU Recovery and Resilience Facility funds.
Spain is taking significant steps toward a sustainable future by embracing digitalization, smart city initiatives, and green hydrogen development. With over €140 billion allocated through the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) for its green and digital transitions, Spain's ambitious goals present valuable opportunities for international collaboration. Finnish companies, renowned for their expertise in smart city technologies and products, advanced solutions for digitalization of public administration and green energy solutions, are poised to play a significant role in this transformation.
Digitalizing Spain’s Public Administration
The Digital Public Administration Plan 2021-2025 is at the forefront of Spain’s digital transformation, with a commitment to digitalizing 80% of government services by 2026. This initiative, supported by €4 billion from the RRF, aims to modernize public services and enhance cybersecurity. Finnish tech companies like Tietoevry, F-Secure, Gofore, and Nixu are already actively involved, offering advanced solutions such as AI deployment, cloud integration, and enhanced cybersecurity to streamline and secure Spain's administrative processes.
Revolutionizing Urban Life with Smart City Infrastructure
Spain ranks fourth in the EU in the number of smart city projects, with 81 initiatives underway across 138 cities. Key projects in Barcelona, Malaga, and Valencia showcase the potential of smart technologies to improve urban living.
Finnish companies such as KONE, Nokia, Ensto, Vaisala, and Wapice are instrumental in deploying IoT, AI, and big data analytics to optimize traffic management, energy use, and public services, making Spanish cities more sustainable and liveable. The dynamic participation in such projects enhances Finland's global reputation in digital technologies and underscores the ability of Finnish companies to create more sustainable and enjoyable urban environments abroad.
Pioneering Green Hydrogen Development
Spain’s National Hydrogen Roadmap aims to install 4 GW of green hydrogen production capacity by 2030, with Finnish companies like Wärtsilä, Elcogen, and Neste poised to contribute significantly. These collaborations will not only advance Spain's hydrogen economy but also position it as a leader in Europe’s hydrogen transition. This initiative includes the deployment of hydrogen refueling stations and could prevent up to 1.5 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually by 2030.
Participating in Spain's green hydrogen economy offers Finland the opportunity to strengthen its position as a leader in clean energy technologies, while expanding its market presence and expertise in a sector aimed at significant growth in Europe.
Quantum Computing for Smarter Cities
Spain’s €22 million investment in the Quantum Spain Program, focused on advancing quantum technologies, includes collaboration with Finnish company IQM Quantum Computers. This partnership will enhance the efficiency of smart city operations, from traffic management to energy distribution, helping cities become more resilient and adaptive to future challenges. The program also plans to develop Spain’s first quantum computer, expected to solve complex urban management issues beyond the reach of classical computing.
Conclusion: A Model for International Collaboration
These strategic collaborations between Spanish cities and Finnish companies exemplify how international partnerships can drive innovation and achieve shared sustainability goals. As Spain continues to advance its digitalization, smart city, and renewable energy initiatives, Finnish expertise will be crucial in realizing these transformative projects.
Business Finland and the Team Finland network are actively supporting Finnish companies in seizing these opportunities, with upcoming events like the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona serving as key platforms for further collaboration.
Further information
Senior Advisor Guillermo Solano
guillermo.solano (at) businessfinland.fi
Tel. +34 667 869 645
Senior Advisor Daria Mashkina
daria.mashkina (at) businessfinland.fi
Tel. +34 603 645 130
