Electronics, Marine / Submarine Technology, Underwater Noise, Hydroacustics, ICTs, Robotics, Cibersecurity, Drones, Competitive Intelligence, Dual Technologies, Security, Sustainability, Smart Specialisation Strategy, RIS3 / RIS4, War Port, Digital Transformation, Digital Twin, Augmented / Virtual Reality, 3D Printing, IoT, Big Data, Avanced Materials
Historically, the Region of Murcia has always had a profound commitment to the defence sector, with a number of military bases scattered across its geography. Our military bases in San Javier, Alcantarilla and Cartagena illustrate how deeply rooted the defence sector and the armed forces are in the Region of Murcia.
The Smart Specialisation Strategy RIS4 Region of Murcia, led by Regional Development Agency, aim to promote R&D, innovation, and entrepreneurship in dual technology, as well as in security and post-disaster rebuilding, benefiting from EU ERDF and ESF co-funding.
Within this context, the Region of Murcia has its own industrial and technological ecosystem, with an increasing number of innovative SMEs and start-ups developing in-house using cutting-edge technology, capable of providing their knowledge and expertise to domestic and global defence sector projects. Not to mention all the other businesses from other sectors in the Region of Murcia that provide solutions, technology and products for post-disaster rebuilding and recovery projects. Navantia's S80 submarine series development at its centre in Cartagena is a clear example of the existing potential in the Region of Murcia.
Public and private agents include the following:
Business organisations, led by the Regional Confederation of Business Organisation CROEM and COEC, the Regional Confederation of Business Organisation of Cartagena, representing all the major defence sector companies, and playing a key part in the Regional Programme to promote Dual Technology, Defence, Security and Rebuilding, promoted by the Regional Government.
Armed forces and law enforcement agencies.
A world-leading marine engineering company (NAVANTIA);
Universities from the Region of Murcia, such as the Public Polytechnical University of Cartagena (UPCT) leading specific actions in the defence sector, such as the Doctorate in Dual-use Technology and Security Management Systems, as well as the creation of spin-off companies. Worth mentioning is the University Defence Centre (CUD) at the General Air Academy (AGA) in San Javier.
The Region of Murcia's network of Technology Centres, including the Marine Technology Centre (CTN), the ICT technology centre (CENTIC), the construction technology centre (CTCON) and the metal technology centre (CTMETAL) capable of providing technological solutions.
Technology supplier ecosystem with both public (SAES,...) and private entities (Mecánicas Bolea, Herjimar,...), most of which are members of the Naval and Industrial Maintenance Company Association (AEMIN).
The Regional Government's Training and Employment Service (SEF).
The European Business Innovation Centres of the Region of Murcia, with the Cartagena Centre -CEEIC- leading the 5.0 Industry programme development.
The Cartagena Port Authority.
Chamber of Commerce of Cartagena.
The Cartagena, San Javier and Alcantarilla City Halls. On the one hand, due to their proactive role in the promotion of local projects, historically tied to the armed forces. On the other hand, because of their ideal location as a "sandbox" to assess technological projects.
The Region of Murcia is a member of the European Network of Defence Regions through the Development Institute (INFO), an entity under the Regional Department of Business, Employment, Universities and Spokesperson's Office, which fosters economic growth and competitiveness in the Region of Murcia (Spain) by promoting economy, increasing investment, removing obstacles, and establishing an environment which favours competitiveness.
