Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Spain

Research in Spain is mainly funded by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness - MINECO, formerly the Ministry of Science and Technology, MEC and earlier MCyT), a full eligible ERA-Net partner using the additional cost (AC) model.

The MEC activities are aimed to develop all disciplines of science, stimulating and funding research at universities and research institutes. MEC manages funding through the National Plans of Research, Development and Technological Innovation (PN I+D+I) which, with a duration of four years, set priorities for annual, peer-reviewed competitive calls. The design of priorities and programmes is carried out by the Ministry in the framework of National interests, taking into consideration the EU RTD Programmes.

In the current PN I+D+I (2004-2007) several programmes related to the BiodivERsA are included, such as Biodiversity, Marine Sciences and Accidental Marine Pollution. The Ministry of Education and Science is the State agency responsible for the funding and co-ordination of scientific research and technological development and innovation. It is also responsible for regulating and developing telecommunications, information society technologies, and implementing its generalised use.

In 2000, MEC established a National Programme on biodiversity and global change, funding ever since around 250 projects for a total of over 40 M€. MEC supports initiatives in the field of biodiversity such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility or DIVERSITAS. The Ministry investment reached 1.03% of the GDP in 2003. The new National Plan for 2004-2007 has the goal of increasing the investment and stimulating the participation of private companies and industries, with a foreseen funding that will reach 1.22 % of the GDP by 2005.