Bizkaia Science and Technology Park celebrates 35 years

Bizkaia Science and Technology Park recently celebrated its 35th birthday with an event held on October 22nd, marking the culmination of a year of anniversary activities.

Based in the Basque region of northern Spain, Bizkaia Science and Technology Park is home to 276 companies and R&D organisations, which in 2020 had a joint turnover of 3,310 million euros and jointly invested 329 million in R&D activities. These companies employ 10,644 people, and are leaders in sectors considered strategic in the Basque Government's 2020 Science, Technology and Innovation Plan, including aeronautics, automotive, electronics, energy, environment, engineering, medicine and biosciences and information technologies.

IASP CEO Ebba Lund joined the anniversary celebrations, alongside IASP members from across Spain, and regional authorities including Arantxa Tapia, the Basque region Minister of Economic Development, Sustainability and the Environment.

“Bizkaia Science and Technology Park was a pioneer 35 years ago, marking the transition from a traditional economy to a more advanced, technology-based industry, and has seen many successes along the way. It has had a huge impact on regional wellbeing and on our economy,” commented Ms Tapia.

The event marked the culmination of a year of activities highlighting the mission, vision and values ​​of the park, including the publication of a book “A History of the Bizkaia Science and Technology Park: 35 years supporting technology and innovation in the Basque Country” covering its history from the park’s foundation in 1985 to the present day, its contribution to the scientific and tech policies of the Basque Government, and its impact on business and innovation in the region. And there has also been a travelling exhibition that has visited Bilbao and different locations in Zamudio, Derio, Leioa, Abanto where the Park is present. The exhibition not only highlighted the key role the park and its infrastructure have played in the economic development of Bizkaia and the Basque Country, but also emphasised its role as a hub of innovation and technology development, and talent.

The Science and Technology Park will continue to grow with the creation of new campuses. It will shortly be extended to the municipality of Abanto-Zierbena, where work began on the future Ezkerraldea-Meatzaldea Technology Park three years ago, a new commitment to invigorate the Margen Izquierda and Zona Minera regions with a focus on energy transition.

Visit https://parke.eus/en/ to find out more about Bizkaia Science and Technology Park.