The Spanish Association for Standardization, UNE, has established its first alliances with Spanish sector associations in Strategic Projects for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE).
These instruments, which form part of the Spain's Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, consist of large-scale projects (known as 'tractor projects') with sectoral transformation capacity and with a broad impact on productivity and employment. They are aimed at boosting economic recovery, facilitating access to the European fund Next Generation EU, of which Spain is to receive €140 billion.
Among other projects, the Spanish standardization body participates in the construction and infrastructure sector, together with SEOPAN (Association of Construction and Infrastructure Concession Companies); in offshore wind energy with AEE (Asociación Empresarial Eólica); in the lighting sector with ANFALUM (Spanish Association of Lighting Manufacturers) or in the technical installations of buildings, with AFME (Association of Electrical Material Manufacturers).
Furthermore, UNE actively works with other associations to join new initiatives, as well as with large and small companies or research centres. The objective is to ensure that standardisation is actively considered so that the benefits of the results obtained in these projects can be passed on to the entire Spanish industry.
UNE is a successful model of public-private collaboration. UNE comprises over 500 members representing practically the whole of Spain's productive network. These include relevant national sector associations, and public administrations.
Strategic tool
Standardisation is a strategic tool for these transformative projects. Developing new standards in innovative projects increases their impact by gathering the best practices, collaboration and consensus required by the major transformative initiatives.
The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism has received more than 750 initial shows of interest on future PERTE projects, with an indicative budget of more than €30 billion, to be financed by the European fund Next Generation EU.
In addition, several ministries are launching other calls for proposals. For example, in February, ideas can be presented for digital connectivity, the promotion of cybersecurity and 5G deployment, local energy communities, circular economy promotion within the company or sustainable energy on the islands.
These funds provide a great opportunity for the recovery to be based on ecological transition and digital transformation, areas in which standardization plays a key role.
