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FI Group achieve ISO/IEC 42001 Certification.

FI Group achieve ISO/IEC 42001 Certification.

This milestone highlights the company’s unwavering commitment to leveraging Artificial Intelligence in a secure, ethical, and responsible way, fully aligned with the highest international governance standards. Achieving the ISO/IEC 42001 certification, the world’s first global standard for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS), reinforces our leadership in AI governance and compliance. 

 

What is ISO/IEC 42001? 

ISO/IEC 42001 establishes a comprehensive framework for managing AI systems throughout their entire lifecycle, from design and development to deployment, monitoring and retirement. It places strong emphasis on risk management, transparency, human oversight, and continuous improvement.

FI Group’s certification demonstrates that responsible AI is not treated as an isolated initiative but as an integral part of its global governance, technology and compliance model. 

 

“ISO/IEC 42001 certification reflects our conviction that Artifical  Intelligence must be developed and used with integrity, accountability accountability and trust at its core.”
  

Iñigo Paniagua, Corporate Chief Tech & Digital Officer 

 

Why This Certification Matters? 

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in business operations, governance and trust are essential. ISO/IEC 42001 certification provides independent assurance that FI Group: 

  • Applies robust governance controls across all AI use cases 
  • Systematically identifies, assesses and mitigates ethical, technical and regulatory risks 
  • Ensures human-in-the-loop oversight in critical AI-supported processes 
  • Protects data security, privacy and information integrity by design 

This achievement reinforces FI Group’s AI vision: Innovating with Integrity and its corporate commitment to deploying innovation responsibly, transparently and in line with evolving regulatory expectations, including the EUArtificial Intelligence Act and emerging AI assurance frameworks. 

 

How FI Group achieved ISO/IEC 42001 Certification? 

The certification follows a rigorous, independent audit assessing the design, implementation and effectiveness of FI Group’s AI Management System. Achieving this milestone required cross-functional collaboration across technology, security, legal, compliance, quality and business teams. 

Key elements of FI Group’s AI governance framework include: 

  • A formal AI policy aligned with compliance, security and data protection principles 
  • Clearly defined roles, responsibilities and decision-making structures via an international AI Committee 
  • AI risk and impact assessments integrated into every AI use case lifecycle 
  • Strong data governance and model management controls, including traceability and auditability 
  • Ongoing training and awareness programmes to embed responsible AI practices across the organisation 

Rather than treating certification as a one-off exercise, FI Group has operationalised ISO/IEC 42001 through everyday processes, controls and people. 

 

We translated the ISO requirements into real operational practices   impact assessmentscontinuous monitoring and documented human review embedded in our daily work.”

Albert Martín, AI Governance and Product Owner 

 

Impact for Clients and the Market: 

For FI Group’s clients, ISO/IEC 42001 certification provides assurance that the internal use of AI supporting client services and operations is governed by a robust, transparent  and internationally recognised management framework. 

While AI at FI Group is currently used primarily to enhance internal processes, decision-making, efficiency and service quality, the certification ensures that any AI-enabled support functions influencing client outcomes are managed with: 

  • Systematic risk and impact assessments 
  • Strong data protection, security and privacy controls
  • Defined human oversight in critical processes 
  • Full traceability and auditability across the AI lifecycle 

This governance approach reduces operational risk, strengthens service reliability and  reinforces client confidence in how FI Group applies advanced technologies behind the scenes. 

From a market perspective, ISO/IEC 42001 positionsFI Group as an organisation that adopts AI with maturity and responsibility, anticipating regulatory expctations and demonstrating leadership in ethical and compliant innovation, even when AI is not a client-facing product.

 

Responsible AI governance strengthens trust not only in what we deliver to clientsbut in how we operate as an organisation.

 

Looking Ahead

ISO/IEC 42001 certification marks an important step, but it’s not the finish line. FI Group remains committed to the continuous improvement of its AI Management System, applying the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check) cycle to evolve alongside technological advances and regulatory developments.

By aligning its AI governance with global standards today, FI Group is strengthening its readiness for tomorrow’s regulatory landscape while continuing to unlock the value of Artificial Intelligence in a responsible and sustainable way. 

 

This certification confirms that innovation and strong governance can and must progress together.

Business Strategy: What to Expect from the 2026 Business Landscape? 

Business Strategy: What to Expect from the 2026 Business Landscape? 

As 2026 approaches, it becomes increasingly clear that this year will not simply mark another chronological milestone in corporate planning. For many organisations, it represents the moment when trends accumulated over the past decade cease to be scattered signals and begin to shape concrete decisions. The future is no longer distant enough to allow strategic postponements, and choices made now, on investment, innovation, location and operational models, will begin to have a direct impact within a few months. 

The context in which these decisions will be taken is particularly demanding. The global economy has entered a phase where instability is no longer episodic but structural. According to IMF projections, global growth is expected to reach around 3.1%, signalling economic resilience despite persistent geopolitical tensions and headwinds in international trade. At the same time, we are witnessing unprecedented technological acceleration, climate urgency and growing state intervention in investment direction, trends converging within the same decision-making space. 

In 2026, companies will no longer compete solely with other market players but within economic systems shaped by industrial policies, regulatory frameworks and increasingly explicit public agendas.  

 

Strategic neutrality, as understood in the past, is no longer a viable option.  

 

This transformation profoundly alters the nature of corporate strategy. For years, it was possible to separate business decisions from political or regulatory domains. That separation is rapidly disappearing. What is emerging for 2026 is a scenario where strategy, innovation and financing cease to be parallel dimensions and instead form a single axis of competitiveness. Organisations that recognise this interdependence early will be better positioned to turn complexity into advantage. 

One of the clearest signs of this new phase is the way the global economy is reorganising. Value chains will remain international but will no longer be governed exclusively by cost and efficiency. In 2026, decisions on where to produce, research or scale will increasingly be influenced by considerations of supply security, industrial resilience and technological autonomy. This trend does not merely reflect recent shocks; it signals a deeper shift in how states and economic blocs perceive their position in a more fragmented world. 

As a result, we will see intensified policies for selective reindustrialisation and investment attraction in sectors deemed strategic. Clean energy, advanced digital technologies, semiconductors, smart mobility, healthcare and critical materials will continue to attract significant public effort, with growing emphasis on defence and security.  

 

According to Reuters, demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment is expected to rise by 9% in 2026, reaching approximately $126 billion, driven by the growing need for AI applications and advanced technologies. 

 

For businesses, this means investment geography will no longer be neutral. The presence, or absence, of incentives and support mechanisms will weigh decisively in the viability analysis of many projects.  

 

The question of “where to invest” will become as strategic as “what to invest in”. 

 

This context helps explain why innovation will assume an even more central role in 2026, not as a buzzword or generic aspiration, but as a practical response to a more demanding environment. Innovation will increasingly be the way to manage rising costs, regulatory pressure and global competition. At the same time, it will become more expensive and complex. Digital transformation, AI adoption, industrial decarbonisation and infrastructure modernisation require significant investments, often with uncertain return horizons. 

Here lies a recurring strategic dilemma: the need to invest will be evident, but the associated risk will tend to increase. Capital costs will remain under pressure; investors will become more selective and margins for error will shrink. The challenge will not only be deciding where to innovate but also how to make that innovation financially sustainable over time. 

This acceleration of strategic timing will directly affect how decisions are made within organisations. Many companies will realise that their internal decision-making processes are not aligned with the new pace of external context. Projects requiring months of analysis or excessively long approval chains will lose relevance before they are even executed. The challenge will shift from choosing well to choosing in time. 

This pressure will be particularly visible in investment management. As the economic environment becomes more competitive, available resources will be allocated with greater selectivity. Instead of single large bets, many organisations will move towards more diversified project portfolios, combining short and medium term initiatives with more exploratory ventures. This logic brings innovation management closer to financial investment principles, where risk distribution becomes an integral part of strategy. 

 

The Strategic Role of Tax Incentives and Grants 

In this context, the ability to reduce risk without compromising ambition will gain strategic value. Grants and Tax Incentives will begin to influence decisions that, at first glance, seem purely internal.  

When a project can be partially funded through public support or benefit from tax incentives, the equation changes. Risk no longer falls entirely on the company, creating room to move earlier, test solutions at scale or accelerate the transition from pilots to implementation. 

This effect will be particularly relevant in sectors where initial investment is high and returns materialise in the medium term. In 2026, many industrial, technological and energy companies will face decisions requiring long-term vision in a short-term environment. Intelligent integration of incentives does not eliminate the need for rigour but aligns financial horizons with strategic horizons, making viable what would otherwise be postponed. 

What for years was treated as a financial optimisation mechanism will now be recognised as a true strategic lever. Instead of appearing at the end of the process, these instruments will influence decisions from project conception. They act as non-dilutive capital, reducing risk exposure and enabling higher technological and industrial ambition. In many cases, they will be the factor that transforms a strategic intention into a concrete investment. 

In practice, similar projects may have very different outcomes depending on a company’s ability to structure its financing. In 2026, two organisations with the same technological vision may advance at different speeds simply because one integrated incentives from the outset and the other did not.  

 

Competitive advantage will no longer depend solely on idea quality or technical execution but also on the intelligence with which the project is financed. 

 

The European Landscape 

Europe will continue to be a particularly relevant laboratory for this dynamic. Programmes such as Horizon Europe, the Innovation Fund and national instruments linked to competitiveness and energy transition will reinforce their focus on impact, scalability and execution capacity. Public funding will be increasingly intolerant of projects disconnected from industrial reality. Conversely, it will reward companies capable of demonstrating strategic vision, solid governance and clear contribution to broader economic priorities. 

 

AI as Strategy 

Artificial Intelligence deserves special attention in this context. In 2026, it will no longer be regarded as an emerging technology but treated as strategic infrastructure.  

 

Gartner estimates global AI spending could exceed $2 trillion in 2026, reinforcing the centrality of this technology in corporate investment decisions.  

 

Its impact will be transversal, affecting internal processes, value chains and decision-making models. However, real gains will not come from simply adopting tools but from integrating AI consistently into strategy and operations. This will require investment in data, skills and internal reorganisation, areas where public incentives will play a growing role, supporting responsible and scalable adoption. 

Talent will also become more critical. As 2026 approaches, it is evident that the shortage of qualified profiles will remain one of the main constraints on strategic execution. Companies dependent on digital, scientific or advanced engineering skills will need to invest deliberately in capacity building. Training programmes, reskilling and collaboration with universities and technology centres will gain weight, often supported by public mechanisms designed to strengthen the economy’s skills base. 

 

Sustainability at the Core 

Sustainability will no longer be treated as a peripheral issue. In 2026, it will be integrated into the economic logic of companies. Energy efficiency, emissions reduction and resource management will influence operational costs, access to financing and competitive positioning. Regulations such as the CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) and stricter reporting requirements will alter the relative profitability of many investments. At the same time, incentives linked to the green transition will continue to shorten payback periods for projects that would otherwise be difficult to justify. Regulation and financing will act complementarily, creating both pressure and opportunity. 

As this new cycle takes hold, the difference between reactive companies and those adopting an anticipatory approach will become more evident. The former adjust strategies when pressure has already materialised. The latter work with scenarios, observe early signals and prepare decisions before urgency sets in. In 2026, this difference will be particularly visible in how companies handle innovation and financing. Reactive organisations tend to discover support opportunities too late, when projects are already defined and adaptation margins are limited.  

 

Truly prepared organisations design their plans with awareness of incentive frameworks, public priorities and funding cycles. 

 

This anticipation is not opportunism, as is often wrongly suggested. It is strategic planning in an environment where the state plays an active role in guiding investment. For companies with an international presence, complexity will be even greater. Different geographies will present distinct incentive regimes, specific sector priorities and varied implementation timelines. Therefore, in 2026, the decision on where to invest will become an integrated strategic decision, considering financial impact, regulatory framework and available public support. Global competitiveness will partly depend on the ability to compare these scenarios intelligently. 

In this context, reading the market in isolation will prove insufficient. Strategy must also involve understanding public policies, industrial agendas and funding mechanisms, not to follow trends but to make the most robust decisions. Companies that articulate these plans clearly will be better positioned to grow sustainably in a demanding environment. This is precisely where the role of specialised partners becomes critical. Integrating innovation, strategy and financing require deep knowledge of existing instruments, anticipation capability and experience in structuring robust projects.  

 

FI GROUP operates at this intersection, supporting companies in transforming public policies into concrete strategic decisions. Our role goes beyond helping secure funding; it is increasingly strategic in supporting organisational decision-making, enabling better thinking, informed choices and lower-risk execution. 

 

As this year unfolds, it will become increasingly clear that the difference between leading companies and those falling behind lies in how ambitions are financed and executed. The convergence of strategy, innovation and public incentives will be one of the main determinants of global competitiveness in the new economic cycle.  

The question for business leaders now is whether they can afford to delay this alignment. In a rapidly changing context, advantage will belong to those who anticipate, structure and act. 

Protecting Innovation: The Strategic Role of Intellectual Property in R&D

Protecting Innovation: The Strategic Role of Intellectual Property in R&D

Key Insights:
  • Innovation is a critical asset for organizations, providing significant competitive advantages.
  • Intellectual property (IP) protection is essential for safeguarding innovations and ensuring economic benefits.
  • Research and Development (R&D) activities are fundamental for technological advancement and human development.

Innovation stands as one of the most valuable assets an organization can possess. In the contemporary business landscape, intangible assets such as ideas, inventions, designs, and brands have gained paramount importance. This marks a significant shift from the 1970s when tangible goods like real estate, machinery, and automobiles dominated market value. Today, intangible assets, including innovation, are indispensable for generating competitive advantages.

Intangible or immaterial assets, despite lacking a physical form, hold substantial economic value. Innovation, as one of these intangible assets, plays a pivotal role in an organization’s success. Estimates suggest that in the 1970s, tangible goods constituted eighty percent of a company’s market value, with intangible assets making up the remaining twenty percent. Currently, this ratio has reversed, underscoring the growing significance of intangible assets.

While these figures are generalizations, they highlight the critical role of intangible assets in driving competitive advantages for businesses. Among these, innovation is particularly valuable due to its high risk of being copied. Innovation can be broadly defined as a novel change that adds value to a product, process, service, or the operations of a company.

Various forms of innovation include:

  • Technological Innovations: New products or components, new manufacturing procedures or tools.
  • Aesthetic Design Innovations: Changes in product design without technological alterations.
  • Corporate or Product Image Innovations: Enhancements in the perception of the company or its products.
  • Organizational, Administrative, or Management Innovations: Improvements in business models or management practices.

Innovations serve as significant differentiators, providing companies with considerable competitive advantages.

 

Innovation is Essential for Human Development

Beyond the previously discussed points, there is a deeper understanding of the significance of innovation for humanity. Innovation in technological development is not merely an accessory mechanism in human life; it is absolutely essential. Without technique or technology, the human species would have already faced extinction.

The history of humanity is replete with examples of how humans, through their intelligence, imagination, and creativity, have generated innovations to face environmental adversities, achieve greater well-being, and ultimately not only adapt to their surroundings but create a «human world.» This involves adjusting the environment to meet the needs and desires of the human species.

In the pursuit of technological development, increasingly sophisticated objectives have been set:

  1. Ensuring the satisfaction of both elementary needs to sustain life and those related to «good living.»
  2. Achieving that satisfaction with minimal effort.
  3. Creating completely new possibilities, producing objects that do not exist in nature, thus creating a «supernature.»

 

In general terms, the process by which humans generate the technology to meet these needs consists of three stages:

  1. Recognizing the need.
  2. Engaging in introspection or self-reflection, through which they imagine and formulate possible solutions for satisfying their needs.
  3. Practically implementing those innovative creations and ideas.

Humans are innovators by nature, and these innovations drive their development. Although it is not the primary focus of this discussion, it is worth mentioning that such development must be sustainable and integral, satisfying the needs of the present without compromising the capabilities of future generations, while being respectful of the environment.

 

But what is Innovation?

Having explained the great importance of innovation for humanity and provided a notion of it, it is time to delve into its definition to understand what truly constitutes an innovation and what ways exist to protect it.

A global reference for innovation is the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which has been working in this field since the mid-20th century.

The OECD has developed various instruments dedicated not only to innovation but also to Research and Development, encompassing the famous acronym R&D. Among the most important documents from the OECD are the Frascati and Oslo Manuals.

The Frascati Manual states that R&D (research and experimental development) «comprises creative and systematic work undertaken with the aim of increasing the stock of knowledge (including knowledge of mankind, culture, and society) and devising new applications based on the existing knowledge.”

To be considered R&D, the activity must meet five basic criteria:

  1. It must be Novel;
  2. Creative;
  3. Uncertain;
  4. Systematic;
  5. Transferable and/or reproducible.

The term R&D includes three types of activities:

  1. Basic research, which consists of experimental or theoretical work undertaken mainly to acquire new knowledge about the fundamentals of observable phenomena and facts, with no intention to apply it in any specific manner.
  2. Applied research, which also consists of original work carried out to acquire new knowledge but is directed mainly towards a specific practical objective.
  3. Experimental development, which consists of systematic work based on existing knowledge obtained from research or practical experience, aimed at producing new products or processes or improving upon existing products or processes.

The concept of innovation is provided by the Oslo Manual, which defines it as the introduction of a new or significantly improved product (good or service), process, marketing method, or organizational method in internal practices of the enterprise, workplace organization, or external relations.

 

Information as a Strategic Resource

Information, much like innovation, represents one of the most valuable resources within any organisation. It forms the foundation upon which decisions, strategies, and development processes are built. Without reliable, timely, and properly safeguarded information, innovation loses momentum and investment in research and development is undermined. In the context of information security, recognising information as a critical organisational asset means treating it with the same level of care and protection as other strategic resources, ensuring its integrity, availability, and confidentiality. In this way, information not only sustains competitiveness but also enables knowledge to be transformed into innovation and sustainable progress.

 

Intellectual property

Everything that has been discussed highlights the importance of recognizing, encouraging, and rewarding the efforts made by private enterprises in research, development, and innovation (R&D), without which sustainable human progress is unthinkable. This is to ensure that society can benefit from the creativity, ingenuity, and effort of those enterprises.

Consequently, the vast majority of countries and a good number of supranational organizations offer support for the financing of R&D.

At FI Group, we specialize in consulting for the application and management of such incentives. However, it is not only necessary to encourage investment in R&D but also to protect it. The way to protect it is by recognizing Intellectual Property to its creator. The legal protection of Intellectual Property allows companies, universities, public bodies, researchers, inventors, designers, artists, etc., to safeguard their innovative and creative developments and obtain a deserved economic benefit.

 

Why is the protection of Intellectual Property important in R&D?

  • It provides recognition and motivation to companies that invest in R&D.
  • It ensures a benefit, economic compensation for the investment, and the recovery of the high costs that such activities entail.
  • It offers protection and safeguards to prevent third parties, who have not made similar efforts, from taking advantage of the benefits of others’ investments in R&D without any compensation.

 

What are the specific mechanisms of protection?

As previously mentioned, innovations can be classified as follows:

  1. Technological Innovations.
  2. Aesthetic design innovations of a product (without technological change).
  3. Innovations in corporate or product image.
  4. Organizational, administrative or management innovations (“business model”).

A preliminary approach regarding the protection of such innovations is the following: Industrial Property titles or registrations generally protect the first three types of innovations, both in Spain and across Europe and LATAM, while the fourth type can only be protected by patent in the US, provided that the new model is considered an invention, i.e., a non-obvious solution. In the rest of the world, new “business models” can only be protected by trade secrets.

 

However, Intellectual Property encompasses a much broader field.

There is no unambiguous definition of Intellectual Property, but the States that developed the Convention creating the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) decided to establish a list of rights related to «literary, artistic and scientific works; performances of performing artists and broadcast; inventions in all fields of human activity; scientific discoveries; industrial designs; trademarks, trade names and designations; protection against unfair competition; and all other rights related to intellectual activity in the industrial, scientific, literary, and artistic fields» (Convention establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization, signed in Stockholm on July 14, 1967; art. 2, point VIII).

In summary, the objects that can be protected by Intellectual Property, which correspond to a category of Intellectual Property rights, can be grouped into the following tables, according to their configuration in Anglo-American law and European continental law:

 

Anglo-American Law

 Works

Copyright

Performances of performing artists; and broadcast  Related rights
Inventions in all fields of human endeavours  Industrial property
Scientific discoveries
Industrial designs
Marks and commercial names and designations
Protection against unfair competition
All other rights resulting from intellectual activity in the industrial, scientific, literary, and artistic fields

Continental Law (France, Spain, LATAM)

Works

Copyright and related rights (continental law)

Inventions Patents
Distinctive signs Trademarks
Designs applied to objects Industrial models and designs
Plant varieties Breeder’s rights
Proprietary information — Know-how Trade secrets

 

We can summarize the above as follows:
  • Innovation is a highly asset, not only for its economic worth but also for shaping the way humanity achieves its development.
  • R&D (research and experimental development) encompasses the creative and systematic work carried out with the objective of increasing the volume of knowledge (including knowledge of humanity, culture, and society) and conceiving new applications based on available knowledge.
  • To be considered R&D, the activity must meet five basic criteria: it must be Novel; Creative; Uncertain; Systematic; and Transferable and/or reproducible.
  • The term R&D includes three types of activities: Basic research; Applied research; and Experimental development.
  • Innovation is the introduction of a new or significantly improved product (good or service), process, new marketing method, or new organizational method in a company’s internal practices, workplace organization, or external relationships.
  • Intellectual property protects various forms of innovation but has a much broader scope, encompassing literary, artistic, and scientific works; performances by interpreting artists and executions by performing artists; phonograms and broadcasts; inventions in all fields of human activity; scientific discoveries; industrial designs and models; trademarks, service marks, and trade names; protection against unfair competition; and all other rights related to intellectual activity in industrial, scientific, literary, and artistic areas.
Key Findings
  • Innovation is a valuable asset for organizations and human development.
  • R&D activities are essential for technological advancement and must meet specific criteria to be considered R&D.
  • IP protection is crucial for safeguarding innovations and ensuring economic benefits.
  • Various mechanisms exist to protect different types of innovations.

 

At FI Group, we specialize in consulting for the management of funding incentives for R&D. With 25 years of experience, we operate globally, assisting over 15,000 clients in financing innovation. FI Group is part of EPSA, a leading player in global innovation financing, dedicated to supporting R&D activities.

 

Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Urban Mobility in Europe 

Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Urban Mobility in Europe 

Key Insights: 

  • The electrification of transport is crucial for achieving EU environmental goals. 
  • Micromobility and vehicle-sharing systems are reducing urban congestion and pollution. 
  • Smart urban planning, such as the «15-minute city» concept, is enhancing the quality of life in European cities. 

 

Urban mobility in Europe is currently undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions and make cities more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive. With increasing congestion, pollution, and accessibility challenges, technological innovation and public policies are crucial to creating solutions that promote a greener future. 

Mobility is essential for the European economy, connecting people, services, and goods, and fostering opportunities, tourism, and cohesion. The transport sector plays a central role in Europe’s competitiveness, also driving ecological and digital transitions. The European Commission is committed to making transport more competitive, sustainable, and prepared for future challenges, ensuring safe, accessible, and affordable systems for all EU citizens. 

 

Key Figures: 

 

Given this scenario of transformation and investment, several European cities and regions stand out for implementing innovative solutions that are redefining how populations move. 

  1. Electric Mobility: The New Normal The electrification of transport plays a central role in the European strategy for decarbonising mobility. Cities like Oslo, Amsterdam, and Lisbon are notable for their dynamic charging infrastructure and incentives that facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles in both the private sector and public transport. In Oslo, the implementation of an extensive network of public chargers, combined with specific tax benefits for electric vehicles, has led to rapid adoption of this technology, making the city a global reference in sustainable mobility. Amsterdam has heavily invested in expanding electric bus fleets, integrating them into public transport systems and contributing to reducing carbon emissions in urban areas. Lisbon focuses on strategically distributed fast-charging corridors and renewing taxi and bus fleets, significantly reducing pollutant emissions and noise in key city areas.
  2. Micromobility and Vehicle Sharing Micromobility is revolutionising short-distance urban travel through the growing adoption of electric bikes, scooters, and mopeds. Various European cities have implemented integrated vehicle-sharing systems, easily accessible via intuitive mobile applications, providing users with the freedom to select the most suitable mode of transport for their needs quickly and efficiently. These services not only facilitate individual mobility but also play a crucial role in reducing road congestion and dependence on private cars. In addition to promoting more ecological and economical transport alternatives, they help improve air quality and make cities quieter and more human, encouraging active and sustainable lifestyles.
  3. Smart Urban Planning People-focused urban planning is essential for driving sustainable mobility and positively transforming city life. Paris stands out by adopting the «15-minute city» concept, which aims to ensure that every resident has access to essential services, such as education, healthcare, commerce, and leisure, within a short walk or bike ride. This approach significantly reduces dependence on motor vehicles, decreasing traffic and pollutant emissions while fostering social interaction, public health, and greater equity among neighbourhoods. By rethinking urban spaces to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists, European cities are creating more inclusive, healthy, and connected environments, strengthening territorial cohesion and significantly improving the quality of life for their habitants.

 

Sustainable urban mobility is a fundamental pillar for the future of European cities. Through innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and citizen engagement, it is possible to build more resilient, inclusive, and ecological urban environments.  

At FI Group, we remain committed to supporting companies and public entities in securing funding for projects that accelerate this transformation. 

 

Key Findings: 

  • Significant investments are being made in transport infrastructure and electric mobility. 
  • European cities are leading the way in adopting sustainable mobility solutions. 
  • Collaboration between public and private sectors is essential for the success of these initiatives.
STEM, Innovation and Opportunity as drivers for a smarter economy. 

STEM, Innovation and Opportunity as drivers for a smarter economy. 

In a world shaped by rapid technological change, global challenges, and shifting economic landscapes, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) has become more than a set of academic disciplines. It is the backbone of innovation, the engine of productivity, and a strategic lever for sustainable development. 

As we mark this day, it’s worth asking: what role does STEM really play in shaping our future? And how can we ensure that its benefits are accessible, impactful, and inclusive? 

However, despite their transformative power, STEM fields continue to be marked by persistent gender and social disparities that limit their full potential. 

 

Key Insights: 

  • STEM drives economic growth: Countries with strong STEM education and research outperform others in innovation, productivity, and GDP. 
  • There’s a global talent gap: Over 85 million jobs may go unfilled by 2030 due to a lack of STEM skills.
  • STEM careers are evolving: AI, data science, and green technologies are reshaping the job market and requiring new skill sets.
  • Access remains unequal: Socioeconomic, geographic, and demographic barriers still limit participation in STEM fields.
  • Innovation needs diversity: Inclusive STEM ecosystems lead to better problem-solving, broader perspectives, and more ethical technologies. 

The global challenge: 

Despite its critical importance, STEM faces a global challenge: the demand for skilled professionals far exceeds supply. According to the World Economic Forum, over 85 million jobs may go unfilled by 2030 due to a lack of STEM skills. This gap threatens not only innovation but also economic resilience, especially in regions where education systems and industry are misaligned. 

Moreover, access to quality STEM education and careers remains uneven. Socioeconomic disparities, geographic limitations, and systemic barriers prevent many individuals, regardless of gender, ethnicity or background, from entering or thriving in STEM fields. This imbalance limits the diversity of thought and innovation needed to solve complex global problems.  

According to research by UNESCO, women represent only 28% of the STEM workforce and only 35% of STEM graduates, a figure that has remained stagnant for over a decade. In regions such as the European Union and Japan, female representation in STEM falls to 17% and 16%, respectively. Even in research and development, women represent only 31.7% of researchers worldwide, with significant regional disparities.  

The numbers reflect systemic barriers, from early educational biases and a lack of role models to work cultures that hinder progress. Gender stereotypes and social expectations continue to discourage from pursuing careers in STEM, for example, despite equal or superior academic performance in many cases 

Core difficulties in STEM Fields 

STEM’s potential is vast, but several structural issues persist: 

  • Skills mismatch: Education systems often lag behind technological advancements, leaving graduates underprepared for emerging roles in AI, data science, and green tech.
  • Retention challenges: Many STEM graduates do not pursue careers in their field due to lack of mentorship, inclusive environments, or clear career pathways. 
  • Workforce gaps: STEM roles are growing faster than the talent pipeline can supply, especially in high-demand sectors like cybersecurity, robotics and biotechnology. 
  • Limited early exposure: In many regions, students lack access to STEM subjects, labs, or role models, which affects long-term engagement and career choices. 
  • Underrepresentation: While gender equity is improving, women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities remain underrepresented in STEM education and leadership. 

These challenges are interconnected and require coordinated action across education, industry and policy. 

The future of Innovation and Economic Growth 

STEM is not just a driver of technological progress, it is a cornerstone of global economic development. Countries that invest strategically in STEM education and research consistently outperform others in productivity, innovation capacity, and GDP growth. For example, South Korea allocates over 4.8% of its GDP to R&D, leveraging its strong STEM foundation to lead in electronics, robotics and AI. Germany’s Industry 4.0 strategy integrates STEM-based automation and manufacturing, boosting industrial competitiveness and exports. In the United StatesSTEM-intensive sectors like Silicon Valley have created entire ecosystems of entrepreneurship, high-paying jobs and global influence.  

Beyond national economies, STEM is reshaping industries. The rise of renewable energy in countries like Denmark and Germany is powered by STEM-trained engineers and scientists developing wind, solar and smart grid technologies. In biotechnology, nations like China and Singapore are investing heavily in genomics and personalised medicine, creating new markets and improving public health outcomes.  

As we look ahead, STEM will continue to be the foundation for solving global challenges, from climate change and food security to digital transformation and ethical AI. The future belongs to those who can innovate responsibly, adapt quickly and collaborate across disciplines. 

 

Top STEM trends to watch in the coming years 

  1. AI and Machine Learning Integration: AI will become ubiquitous across industries, with growing demand for specialists in explainable AI, algorithmic ethics and human-AI collaboration. 
  2. Green and Sustainable Technologies: STEM will drive innovation in clean energy, carbon capture, circular economy design and climate modelling. 
  3. Quantum Computing and Advanced Materials: Breakthroughs in quantum systems and nanomaterials will unlock new possibilities in computing, medicine and manufacturing. 
  4. Biotech and Personalised Health: Genomics, microbiome research and bioengineering will transform healthcare, enabling tailored treatments and predictive diagnostics. 
  5. Cybersecurity and Data Ethics: As digital systems expand, STEM professionals will be essential in securing infrastructure, protecting privacy and ensuring ethical data use. 
  6. Space and Deep Tech Exploration: Roles like space architects and planetary engineers will emerge as lunar and Martian missions become reality. 
  7. STEAM and Interdisciplinary Innovation: The fusion of arts and STEM will foster creativity, design thinking and holistic problem-solving in education and industry. 
  8. AI-Powered Education and Lifelong Learning: Adaptive learning platforms, micro-credentials and hybrid models will redefine how STEM skills are taught and acquired. 

As we look to the future, STEM will remain the cornerstone of innovation, economic resilience and global problem-solving. Its influence spans industries, borders and generations, from powering green technologies and personalised healthcare to securing digital infrastructure and exploring deep space. The nations and organisations that invest in STEM today are not only preparing for tomorrow’s challenges; they are actively shaping the solutions. 

To unlock its full potential, we must continue to align education with industry needs, foster inclusive ecosystems, and promote lifelong learning. STEM is not just about science and technology, it’s about building smarter economies, more equitable societies and a future defined by purpose-driven innovation. 

How innovation can support industrial investments in water and energy efficiency projects?

How innovation can support industrial investments in water and energy efficiency projects?

Key Insights: 

  • Industrial hubs historically thrived due to abundant natural resources, particularly water and energy.
  • Modern challenges include rising costs of water and electricity, increased pressure on natural resources, severe droughts, and energy system vulnerabilities.
  • Investing in water and energy efficiency through innovation is crucial for sustainable industrial practices and competitive advantage. 

 

Modern industry emerged and flourished in a world shaped by the belief in infinite natural resources. What do Manchester in the United Kingdom, the Manufacturing Belt in the United States, the Ruhr Valley in Germany, the Yangtze River Region in China, the Nile Valley in Egypt, and southern and southeastern regions of Brazil have in common?  

These regions were (and some still are) major industrial hubs in their respective countries. What explains their industrial prominence is the rich and abundant supply of water and other energy sources, in other words, the availability of natural resources. 

In Manchester, along the banks of the River Irwell, one of the world’s first industrial hubs emerged, with a strong textile industry. The city also benefited from nearby coal mines, which fuelled factory boilers and locomotives, driving the Industrial Revolution. 

 

In the U.S. Manufacturing Belt, the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes enabled the transport of raw materials and finished goods, while also supplying energy to automotive, steel, and railway industries. The region also had coal and iron reserves, especially in Pennsylvania and Ohio, which supported steel production and thermal energy generation. In the Ruhr Valley, the Rhine and Ruhr rivers supplied steel, chemical, and mechanical factories, essential for furnace cooling, ore washing, and energy generation. In China, the Yangtze River was instrumental in the development of cities such as Shanghai and Wuhan, supporting electronics, shipbuilding, chemical, and textile industries, which heavily depend on water for manufacturing, cleaning, and cooling processes. The region also holds large coal reserves, especially in provinces like Shanxi and Anhui, which supply China’s industrial base. In Egypt, the Nile River was the foundation for the development of textile, food, and petrochemical industries, especially around Cairo. The energy generated by the Nile, particularly after the construction of the Aswan Dam, was essential for the country’s electrification and industrialization. In Brazil, the South and Southeast regions became industrial hubs thanks to major rivers like the Paraguay, Uruguay, and Tietê, which supply numerous cities that evolved into significant industrial centres. For example, São Paulo and Campinas, both in the state of São Paulo, host numerous industries due to their proximity to rivers like the Tietê and Atibaia, supporting sectors such as metallurgy, chemicals, and food, all highly dependent on water for equipment cooling, raw material washing, steam generation, and effluent treatment. Additionally, southern Brazil, especially Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, has vast availability of water resources. 

Water and energy abundance, whether through rivers or coal mines, was therefore one of the decisive factors for these areas to become economic engines of their countries and continents, especially in water and energy-intensive industries such as textiles, food, chemicals, metallurgy, and pulp and paper. However, the current and emerging scenario presents numerous uncertainties regarding water and energy availability. 

 

A reality that cannot be ignored: The rising cost of water and electricity 

Population growth and the resulting increase in natural resource consumption in these regions, including water resources, as well as rising energy demand, pose unprecedented challenges to industrial activity, which once had seemingly unlimited growth prospects. 

 

These challenges are concentrated in three main areas: 

  1. Increasing pressure on natural resources: Industry is responsible for approximately 20% of global freshwater withdrawals, although actual consumption varies depending on the production process. In developed countries, industrial water use can represent between 30% and 60% of total withdrawals, depending on the economic structure and industrial profile. In the United Kingdom, industrial water use accounts for a substantial share of the country’s renewable water resources, estimated at 147 billion m³/year. In China, industrial pollution affects more than 60% of lakes, directly impacting availability for manufacturing use. 
  2. Severe droughts and water scarcity: Water scarcity already affects industrial hubs in all the regions mentioned. In Brazil, the water crises of 2001, 2014–15, and 2021 directly impacted industrial production. In Egypt, disputes over control of the Nile’s waters threaten supply to sectors such as textiles and petrochemicals. In the United Kingdom, parts of the country already face seasonal water stress, with direct impacts on the industrial sector, especially in densely urbanised areas and the north of England. 
  3. Overload and vulnerability of energy systems Approximately 90% of global thermal and nuclear energy generation consumes water at some stage, while renewable sources such as solar and wind have negligible water consumption. In Europe, the manufacturing industry accounts for 18% of total water use, especially for cooling thermal and nuclear power plants. In Brazil, reliance on hydropower makes the system vulnerable to climate variability, with a projected reduction of up to 40% in water availability by 2040. 

 

Investing in water and energy efficiency as a competitive and cost-reducing strategy 

Investing in Research, Development, and Innovation (R&D&I) projects proves to be the most sustainable and efficient solution for industry to adapt to a scenario full of uncertainties. Through innovation, global industry can develop the resilience needed to continue fulfilling its core mission: enhancing human well-being through sustainable industrial practices. 

 

There are many paths to follow: 

1. Technological perspectives for water efficiency and water reuse: Industrial water reuse is one of the most effective strategies to reduce dependence on potable sources and minimise environmental impacts. Technologies such as ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and electrodialysis allow for the treatment and reuse of effluents in processes like cooling, equipment washing, and steam generation. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), reuse practices can reduce water demand by as much as 60% in sectors such as pulp and paper, food, and petrochemicals. In addition to lowering operational costs, this practice contributes to water security and regulatory compliance, especially in regions with seasonal scarcity. 

  •  Industry 4.0 Technologies: The use of smart sensors, Internet of Things (IoT), supervisory software (SCADA), and Artificial Intelligence enables real-time monitoring of water consumption, loss detection, and process optimisation. Technical studies published by industrial associations and research institutes indicate that industries adopting automation and digitalisation can reduce water consumption by up to 50% and increase environmental compliance by 30%. Mining, sanitation, chemical, and food sectors are leading this transformation. 

 

2. Technological perspectives for energy efficiency energy management systems (EMS): EMSs enable continuous monitoring of energy consumption, waste identification, and data-driven decision-making. According to the Energy Efficiency Roadmap from the Empresa de Pesquisa Energética (EPE), a Brazilian federal government agency responsible for energy efficiency studies, implementing EMSs can generate savings of up to 20% in energy consumption, with a return on investment (ROI) in less than two years. Sectors such as metallurgy, cement, food, and pharmaceuticals have widely adopted this solution, gaining competitiveness and sustainability. 

  •  Artificial Intelligence and Digital Twins: AI and digital twin applications allow for simulation of energy scenarios, consumption pattern prediction, and predictive maintenance. These technologies increase system reliability and optimise energy use in real time. According to the IEA, the use of AI in industry could reduce global energy consumption by up to 10% by 2040. Automotive, technology, and pharmaceutical sectors are leading this adoption, with gains in efficiency and emission reduction. 

 

The examples above are part of a technological repertoire accessible to industries, although their application to specific contexts depends on structured projects and studies based on best project management practices to achieve the desired results. These examples represent just a portion of the available technological solutions. Through R&D&I, industries across various sectors, especially those with high water and electricity demands, can achieve excellent results in water and energy efficiency. 

 

Innovation incentive mechanisms must be part of Industrial Project Planning 

Innovation support mechanisms, such as R&D Tax Credit and Innovation Funding, should be strategically incorporated into industrial planning. These instruments not only financially enable water and energy efficiency projects but also act as catalysts for technological transformation. According to the OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2021, innovation projects can have 30% to 70% of their costs subsidised through public policies, depending on the country and sector involved. This allows initiatives that were previously economically unfeasible to be implemented and, moreover, to gain scale, technical depth, and measurable environmental impact. 

Beyond financial aspects, these mechanisms offer significant managerial benefits. Structuring projects based on innovation incentives requires greater clarity on objectives, metrics, and expected outcomes, strengthening innovation governance. Industry gains greater visibility over its technological portfolio, enabling more precise decisions on resource allocation, investment prioritisation, and risk assessment, especially regarding the study and selection of technologies to be invested in. This is particularly relevant in areas such as water and energy efficiency, where returns may be challenging to quantify yet remain strategically vital. 

In a global scenario marked by increasing water scarcity, energy volatility, and regulatory pressure, investing in innovation is a crucial factor for cost reduction and margin improvement, providing industries with a competitive edge essential for a global supply chain increasingly sensitive to environmental and climate factors. Industries that recognise the hidden costs of inefficiency and anticipate them with structured projects and innovation investment will be better prepared to lead the transition to a sustainable, resilient, and data-driven economy. 

 

Key Findings:  

  • The article highlights the historical reliance of industrial hubs on abundant natural resources and the modern challenges posed by rising costs and resource scarcity.
  • It emphasises the importance of investing in water and energy efficiency through innovation to ensure sustainable industrial practices and maintain competitive advantage.
  • Key technological solutions include water reuse, Industry 4.0 technologies, Energy Management Systems, and Artificial Intelligence.
  • The article also underscores the role of innovation incentive mechanisms in supporting these investments and enhancing industrial resilience. 

 

Space-Based Tech for Decarbonisation: Funding Roadmap for EU and UK SMEs

Space-Based Tech for Decarbonisation: Funding Roadmap for EU and UK SMEs

How Space Technology Can Accelerate Net Zero Goals

Space-based technology has become one of the most powerful tools in tackling the global challenge of climate change and decarbonisation. From Earth observation satellites that monitor greenhouse gas emissions to advanced propulsion systems that reduce launch footprints, innovation in space technology is critical to achieving net-zero targets.

For SMEs and scale-ups in Europe and the UK, this sector offers a dual opportunity: driving technological breakthroughs while accessing substantial public and private funding. Yet navigating this landscape requires strategic insight. Each scheme has unique compliance demands, funding structures, and cross-border implications, and CFOs face increasing pressure to align innovation spend with decarbonisation goals while ensuring strong ROI.

This article provides a comprehensive roadmap of the funding available across Europe and the UK, from the European Space Agency (ESA) to Horizon Europe and national schemes. It also highlights the CFO pain points in financing innovation, and explains how FI Group’s “Global Reach. Local Expertise.” approach enables clients to maximise returns while reducing compliance risks.

 

Comparison of Major Funding Programmes

Programme Budget (2021–2027) Focus Areas Typical Funding Size Relevance to Space Decarbonisation
Horizon Europe €95.5bn Climate, Energy, Digital, Space €500k–€15m Collaborative R&D, space-enabled sustainability
EIC Accelerator €10bn (subset of Horizon) Deep-tech, disruptive innovation Up to €2.5m grant + €15m equity Hardware/software scale-ups in climate & space
ESA Clean Space €180m+ since 2010 Green design, debris mitigation €50k–multi-million Clean propulsion, eco-satellites, reusability
LIFE Programme €5.43bn Environment & climate action €1m–€10m Climate services, space-enabled adaptation
UK Space Agency £100m+ annual calls Space science, sustainability £50k–£15m National missions (e.g. CO₂ monitoring)
Innovate UK Net Zero £1bn+ portfolio Clean energy, mobility, data £50k–£2m Satellite data for net-zero mobility, energy

 

What is Space Technology for Decarbonisation?

Space technology for decarbonisation refers to the application of space-based tools and services to reduce carbon emissions, improve resource efficiency, and accelerate the transition to net-zero economies. Examples include:

  • Earth Observation: Satellites providing real-time data on emissions, deforestation, and ocean health.
  • Green Propulsion: Development of non-toxic, sustainable fuels for satellites and launchers.
  • Energy Infrastructure: Space-based solar power and satellite-enabled grid optimisation.
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: Using satellite data to verify carbon reduction claims in global trade.
  • Climate Modelling: Advanced sensors that feed into predictive models for policymakers and businesses.

This convergence of space, sustainability, and digital technology creates new commercial opportunities but requires significant upfront investment, hence the growing importance of grant funding and R&D tax incentives.

 

Why CFOs Must Pay Attention

CFOs in innovation-driven SMEs face three recurring challenges:

  1. Balancing long-term innovation with short-term cash flow
    Developing decarbonisation tech often requires large upfront spend on prototypes, testing, and compliance, with delayed revenue realisation.
  2. Navigating fragmented funding ecosystems
    EU, ESA, Innovate UK, and private funds all have different eligibility rules, reporting standards, and audit risks.
  3. Avoiding opportunity costs
    Missing out on grants or misaligning R&D incentives across borders can cost millions, not just in lost funding, but in lost competitive advantage.

In a climate where venture capital funding has declined year on year since 2021, grants and tax incentives are becoming the most reliable growth levers for high-tech firms.

 

Funding Opportunities in Europe

European Space Agency (ESA)

The ESA runs multiple programmes aligned with sustainability and space innovation:

  • ESA’s ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) – supports SMEs developing satellite-enabled services for climate monitoring, smart cities, and mobility.
  • ESA Clean Space Initiative – focuses on eco-design, debris mitigation, and clean propulsion.
  • ESA Technology Development Element (TDE) – funds feasibility studies and prototypes with applications in decarbonisation.

ESA grants often require international collaboration, making FI Group’s network across 13 countries a decisive advantage in forming and managing consortia.

Horizon Europe

With a €95.5 billion budget (2021–2027), Horizon Europe is the EU’s largest funding programme for research and innovation. For space decarbonisation, key clusters include:

  • Climate, Energy & Mobility – funding projects in clean aviation, sustainable fuels, and renewable integration.
  • Digital, Industry & Space – supporting satellite manufacturing, AI-driven Earth observation, and next-gen propulsion.
  • Missions on Climate-Neutral Cities and Oceans – creating opportunities for space-enabled monitoring solutions.

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator within Horizon Europe also offers up to €2.5 million in grants plus blended finance, particularly relevant for scale-ups in green and space technologies.

Figure 1: Horizon Europe Space calls have shown varying success rates over the last three years, ranging from 25% to nearly 40%.

Other EU Initiatives

  • LIFE Programme (€5.43bn): Focused exclusively on environment and climate action.
  • Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (Clean H2 JU): €2bn for hydrogen innovation, often linked with space propulsion and storage systems.
  • Digital Europe Programme (€7.59bn): Funding for AI and cybersecurity in satellite data processing.

 

Funding Opportunities in the UK

Innovate UK

The UK’s national innovation agency Innovate UK regularly opens competitions relevant to space and decarbonisation, such as:

  • National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) – supporting space data and climate applications.
  • Net Zero Mobility and Aviation Calls – investing in clean propulsion and aircraft electrification.
  • Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging – relevant for supply chains where satellite monitoring validates sustainability claims.

UK Space Agency

Through targeted calls, the UK Space Agency co-funds ESA projects and runs initiatives on space debris mitigation and low-carbon satellite technologies.

Figure 2: SMEs typically receive between 35% and 100% public funding depending on the programme and project stage. Horizon Europe offers full coverage for research and coordination, ESA ARTES provides between 50% and 100% support based on technology maturity.

 

Combined Approach: R&D Tax Relief + Grants

For UK SMEs, R&D tax relief remains a crucial complementary mechanism. Costs not covered by grants can often be claimed under the merged R&D Expenditure Credit (RDEC) scheme, offering a ~20% taxable credit on qualifying costs. CFOs must carefully structure projects to avoid “double-dipping”, where the same cost is claimed twice under different schemes, a compliance risk that FI Group’s integrated advisory model helps mitigate.

Private and Venture Funding Landscape

While venture capital remains the largest pool of growth finance, the market has cooled significantly since 2021. UK deal volumes have fallen, though average deal sizes remain larger than a decade ago, with deep-tech and life sciences attracting outsized interest.

For space decarbonisation, this means CFOs should see public funding as a hedge against VC volatility. Grants de-risk early-stage projects, making companies more attractive to private investors down the line.

Roadmap for SMEs and Scale-Ups

For SMEs considering entry into the space decarbonisation ecosystem, a structured roadmap is critical:

  1. Map Your Innovation Pipeline
    Identify which projects align with decarbonisation priorities (e.g. propulsion, data analytics, monitoring).
  2. Select the Right Funding Mix
    Combine grants, R&D tax relief, and where possible, blended finance instruments.
  3. Form International Consortia
    Particularly for Horizon Europe and ESA projects, partnerships improve eligibility and competitiveness.
  4. Align Reporting and Compliance
    Different jurisdictions have different audit risks; early planning avoids costly delays.
  5. Leverage Expert Support
    Engage advisors who understand both the technical innovation and the financial compliance.

 

The FI Group Advantage

At FI Group, we turn complexity into clarity for innovation leaders. With over 1,400 experts across 20 countries, we support more than 15,000 clients annually, securing over €1.7bn in funding.

Our advisory goes beyond funding applications. We help CFOs and executives:

  • Mitigate compliance risk by ensuring claims are audit-ready across jurisdictions.
  • Optimise funding strategy through a single-point-of-contact model.
  • Accelerate international expansion, bridging HQ strategy with local execution.

As Dr. Fawzi Abou-Chahine, Funding Director at FI Group UK, explains:

“We support clients to navigate the most competitive EU and UK schemes. Our role is not just to write applications, but to align funding with strategic goals, whether that’s scaling internationally, strengthening IP portfolios, or accelerating net-zero innovation.”

International Landscape: Global Reach, Local Expertise

Innovation does not stop at borders. Space and decarbonisation projects often require cross-continental collaboration, from launch facilities in South America to data analytics hubs in Europe and Singapore.

FI Group’s model ensures that:

  • Your HQ sees the full picture, while your teams feel local support.
  • Global operations don’t need global headaches.
  • We deliver seamless international compliance, reducing risk in multi-country claims.

This capability is critical during M&A, supply chain shifts, and expansions where funding incentives vary widely across jurisdictions.

 

FAQs

What is the main funding source for space decarbonisation projects in Europe?

The European Space Agency and Horizon Europe are the leading sources, with additional opportunities under LIFE, Clean Hydrogen JU, and Digital Europe.

Can SMEs combine R&D tax relief with grant funding?

Yes, but careful structuring is needed to avoid claiming the same cost twice (“double-dipping”). FI Group helps ensure compliance with HMRC and EU rules.

How competitive are Horizon Europe calls?

Horizon Europe success rates average 10–15%, but consortium-based applications led by SMEs with strong partners see higher success.

What are CFO pain points in managing international incentives?

CFOs struggle with fragmented regulations, audit risk, and inconsistent reporting across jurisdictions. Integrated advisory support mitigates these challenges.

Why work with FI Group?

Because we combine global scale with local expertise, securing over €1.7bn in funding annually and offering tailored support for space and decarbonisation innovators.

 

From the Data Centre to the Factory Floor: Industrial IT as Innovation

From the Data Centre to the Factory Floor: Industrial IT as Innovation

IT innovation isn’t limited to the digital sphere. Increasingly, industrial applications of technology are pushing the boundaries of what’s considered R&D. 

When businesses use technology to solve operational, logistical, or energy challenges in new ways, they’re often venturing into innovative territory.  

Some examples might include: 

 

  • AI-powered logistics route optimisation based on real-time conditions
  • Development of smart warehouse automation tools
  • Creation of new communication devices for confined or hazardous environments
  • Software platforms managing energy distribution via smart grids
  • Predictive systems for inventory management based on dynamic variables
  • Advanced tools for risk modelling and pricing analysis
  • User behaviour analytics that predict purchase likelihood or engagement patterns

 

In these cases, the technology isn’t just supporting the business, it’s reshaping how the business operates, opening the door to R&D qualification. 

 

What Exactly Counts as R&D? 

 

At its core, R&D is about creating value through new knowledge or novel applications of existing knowledge.  

Projects generally fall into one of three key categories: 

 

  • Scientific Research: Activities that generate new knowledge, whether through fundamental or applied exploration.
  • Technological Development: Projects that translate knowledge into concrete solutions, products, or prototypes.
  • Technological Innovation: Significant improvements or entirely new methods, processes, or systems, often involving novel technologies or methodologies.

 

While these categories may sound academic, the reality is that many IT and digital transformation projects can fall within their scope. 

 

Where Tech Meets R&D: Common Eligible IT Initiatives 

 

Digital innovation is a fast-moving field, and many solutions that tackle complex challenges could meet the criteria for R&D recognition.  

For instance: 

 

  • AI systems used for fraud detection or risk assessment
  • Implementation of advanced frameworks to improve software performance
  • Blockchain technologies ensuring data transparency and traceability
  • Immersive tech applications in industrial or training environments
  • Predictive analytics or machine learning models based on real-time data
  • Automated asset management and intelligent resource planning
  • Cloud-based cybersecurity solutions beyond traditional perimeter defences
  • Algorithm development and mathematical modelling for smart engines
  • Scalable cloud platforms tailored to new services or users
  • Innovative approaches to integrated delivery management

 

These aren’t just examples of digital progress, they’re potential R&D projects with real business impact and tangible fiscal benefits. 

 

Hispanic America as a case study: Tax Incentives in Peru  

 

In a world where innovation drives competitive advantage, research and development (R&D) is no longer a luxury, it’s a strategic position. 

Around the globe, companies are investing in knowledge-based growth to stay ahead of the curve. In Peru, this global trend is taking on a particularly promising form: tax incentives designed to encourage and reward innovation. 

But how do you know if your project qualifies?  

Could your next technology initiative not only advance your operations but also reduce your tax burden? 

 

The R&D Advantage: A Strategic Incentive 

 

The power of innovation to shape sustainable economic development must be recognised, and in the case of Peru, for example, a specific tax incentive has been introduced: 

  • Law No. 30309: companies that invest in scientific research, technological development and technological innovation projects can deduct the expenses incurred on their tax return.  

This innovative regulation offers additional income tax deductions to companies that invest in scientific research, technological development or technological innovation. 

It’s not just about rewarding great science or complex engineering, it’s about promoting a culture of innovation in which experimentation, development and improvement are actively supported. 

 

Do you have questions about whether your project can qualify for the R&D criteria? 

 

Here are some questions we suggest you ask yourself: 

– Are you solving a technical problem with no clear solution at the outset? 

– Does it involve a significant advance in either what is being done or how it is being done? 

– Are you experimenting with untested ideas or developing new methodologies? 

– Is there a measurable element of uncertainty or technical risk? 

– Will you generate knowledge that did not previously exist in your company, sector or region? 

– Are you applying existing technologies in innovative ways? 

 

If you can confidently answer ‘yes’ to several of these questions, there’s a good chance your project will qualify, and it may be time to explore your eligibility for R&D tax benefits or other innovation-centred incentives. 

 

With a global vision and clients around the world, FI Group specialises in the technical and legal criteria of R&D classification, monitoring the entire process. Our teams of experts combine technical knowledge and strategic vision to ensure that your projects meet the necessary standards and have the best chance of success. 

 

Remember: your innovation today can generate tax benefits tomorrow. 

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