International technology transfer in Cantabria

Innovation increases companies' productivity and makes it easier for them to undertake processes such as internationalization or the creation of new lines of business. 78% of family-owned businesses have implemented some form of innovation over the past three years.

Santander, May 13, 2016. The Component Technology Center (CTC) and the Cantabrian Association of Family Businesses (ACEFAM) have organized a workshop at Bathco's facilities to raise awareness among family businesses about the possibility of undertaking innovative technology transfer projects without leaving the autonomous community. The research experience accumulated over more than a decade demonstrates that increasing R&D&I activity with a technological partner like the CTC allows companies to increase their competitiveness and face processes such as international expansion or the creation of new business lines with greater guarantees of success. At the event, titled "Innovation as a Business Strategy," one of the latest success stories funded by ERDF funds, CemLab, which has generated the alliance between the CTC and the family business Bathco, was presented.

Innovation is one of the major challenges facing family businesses. According to data from the study *Family Businesses in Spain*, 78.8% have undertaken some form of innovation over the past three years. Recognizing that these types of companies are potential partners in innovative projects, the CTC offers them extensive technological expertise, a highly qualified team of professionals and technical staff, and a broad knowledge network supported by collaboration with numerous research centers and universities, both in Spain and across Europe. “We know who is working on lines of research that are of interest to companies, and that facilitates development and reduces costs,” commented Beatriz Sancristóbal during her presentation. Similarly, the CTC’s Director of Projects and Business Development invited companies to undertake “real technology transfer” projects that go beyond mere improvements to specific procedures. “We want to work with you, better understand your innovation needs, and help enhance your reputation in the medium and long term.”.

Technology transfer processes are of great interest to ACEFAM. In fact, in its 2015-2018 strategic plan, it highlights the importance of transforming family businesses to adapt to the evolving times. This circumstance implies a firm commitment to innovation to stay in tune with market demand. «Today, it is very difficult for family businesses like ours to keep doing the same things our grandfathers did,» stated Manuel Huerta Terán. The president of ACEFAM believes that family businesses «are facing a transformation process, but we don't have to do it alone. The Component Technology Center is a tool that can be very useful to us.” In fact, the CTC's strong commercial orientation and its deep understanding of the needs of the productive sector make it a reliable technological partner for undertaking processes of this nature. Huerta Terán believes that family businesses must «seek talent wherever it may be found to attract it, and in Cantabria, we have an internationally recognized center to do so.».

The “Spain 2018” study, prepared by the Business Council for Competitiveness, states that 85% of business productivity growth is a direct result of innovation, since R&D&I increases this metric by 16%. Similarly, companies that innovate export 18% more. “Our extensive track record in developing European projects has given us valuable experience in tackling processes of this kind,“ stated Sancristóbal. “No company is now unaware of the benefits that opening up to the international market can bring,” added the CTC representative. In this regard, José López, CEO of Bathco, stated that “internationalization is not something reserved for just a few.” This company, which operates in 75 countries and is in the midst of an expansion process, considers innovation a strategic element within its corporate strategy.

The development of a special cement for Bathco illustrates the potential of a technology transfer project carried out entirely in Cantabria. This new material has strengthened the company’s position in the international market for high-end sinks. The CTC reformulated traditional cement with a series of nanomaterials to create a product that is more waterproof (80%) and lighter (40%). “We’ve achieved truly exceptional results,” López stated.

Manufacturing trials are currently underway for the launch of Cemlab, an innovative line of high-end sinks. The entire manufacturing process will take place in Cantabria, with an estimated production of 15,000 to 20,000 units in the first year. “The key to any sector is to be one step ahead,” stated Jose Lopez. “At Bathco, we encourage companies in Cantabria to invest in research and in the professionals we have in the sector here,” he continued. “Investing in research is essential. We will continue to collaborate with them on this and other innovation projects,” concluded the company's CEO.

A tour of Bathco's facilities and a networking session completed this meeting, framed within the Component Technology Center's strategy to connect with the Cantabrian productive sector.