Agirre Lehendakaria Center is coordinating a research project on public science, technology and innovation policies in the Basque Country. Spanning from 1980 to 2030, the study covers the period from the restoration of self-government to the present and beyond, with the aim of collaboratively interpreting the past, strengthening current strategies, and positioning the Basque Country internationally in this field.

By 2030, the Basque Government’s R&D&I policies will have reached their 50-year milestone. While various studies have analyzed their impact on the region’s development, critical gaps remain, particularly in the areas of narratives, the social context of these developments, and a portfolio-based approach.

Who has been affected, and how? What have been the main impacts? What perceptions exist about these policies? How do they relate to one another, and what factors have enabled them? What underlying value system has shaped them?

The study will involve the collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data to assess the strategic decisions made—some of them counter-cyclical—with the goal of constructing a distinctive narrative that reinforces the international positioning of the Basque Country in this field. Additionally, an archive will be developed to synthesize and integrate information on policies, plans, and tools. This archive will also map key actors and initiatives (both public and private), milestones, historical context, and thematic areas to provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of the region’s innovation ecosystem across different historical periods.

The research is expected to produce several key outcomes. A digital repository will be developed to compile essential policy documents and reports, ensuring accessible and comprehensive records. Additionally, a monitoring system will be established to track the evolution of the Basque scientific ecosystem, providing valuable insights for future policy development. The study will also result in a collection of historical publications, offering a detailed account of the transformation of R&D&I policies over time. Furthermore, international seminars will be organized to encourage dialogue and foster alignment with global trends, strengthening the Basque Country’s position in the field.

The objective is not only to document the past but also to suggest specific improvements that will enhance the alignment of the R&D&I strategy with other strategic initiatives of the Basque Government and broader societal needs.