To talk about innovation in Spain is to spark a fascinating debate about the present, the past and, above all, the future. In this episode of the Generación EdTech podcast, Jorge Barrero —Chief Executive of the Cotec Foundation— provides an honest and in-depth analysis of how we understand, measure and apply innovation in our country.
The conversation is based on a clear premise: for innovation to truly transform our society, it must go far beyond technology alone. Because not all innovation is digital, nor are all technologies innovative. The key lies in how we use knowledge to generate economic, social and human value.
Innovation is not just about creating technology
One of Cotec’s greatest achievements has been to redefine the concept of innovation to bring it closer to people. According to Barrero, “innovation is about bringing about change based on knowledge that creates value”. And that ranges from organisational improvements in an SME to educational transformation in a rural school.
Spain does not have a problem with a lack of ideas. The challenge lies in identifying, measuring and scaling up the innovations that already exist, many of which are often overlooked. In Barrero’s words, “most Spanish companies are already innovating, even if they don’t always realise it”. And that calls for a more inclusive and diverse view of what we mean by innovation.
Why is Spain still lagging behind the rest of Europe?
According to the European Innovation Scoreboard, Spain ranks in the middle of the table, lagging behind countries such as Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands. Why? The answer is not straightforward. There are historical factors — such as the technological gap inherited from centuries ago —, geographical factors — with significant regional disparities — and also issues surrounding how innovation itself is measured.
Barrero points out that current measurement systems are designed with industrial economies in mind, where patents and R&D expenditure carry greater weight. However, in a service-based economy such as Spain’s, where many innovations do not originate in laboratories, these indicators are incomplete and limited.
Málaga, the Basque Country and the importance of the long term
Despite these challenges, there are regions that are writing a different story. The Basque Country and Málaga are two examples of how a a strategy sustained over time can change the course of a region. In both cases, the key has been perseverance, institutional collaboration and a vision that transcends parliamentary terms and party interests.
This brings us to a crucial point: Innovation in Spain cannot depend on short-term political considerations. It requires vision, a shared culture and an environment that values risk-taking, creativity and critical thinking. We need innovation to be the norm, not the exception.
Europe, identity and the Spanish model
In a world polarised between the US model (market-based) and the Chinese model (state-controlled), Europe has the opportunity to chart its own course: a innovation that respects rights, has a purpose and fosters social cohesion. And Spain must play an active part in that project.
It is not a question of copying external models, but of adapting the best aspects of each to our own culture. As Barrero points out, “we have to learn from Korea or Israel, but build something of our own. Something that works for us”.
Innovation is also about knowing what not to change
One of the most original insights from the interview comes at the end: Not everything has to change for us to innovate. Sometimes, true innovation lies in recognising what works and preserving it. In a world obsessed with novelty, the ability to distinguish between what needs to evolve and what deserves to be carried forward is a form of collective intelligence. Good luck!