National Forum of Emerging Companies

The National Forum for Emerging Companies is a strategic space to identify the needs of the innovative entrepreneurial sector and promote economic development in high value-added sectors. Its main goal is to design tools and policies that foster the growth of startups, encouraging innovation and competitiveness. Additionally, the forum aims to contribute to job creation and sustainable growth.

The Council of Ministers has approved Royal Decree 1138/2024, which establishes the National Forum for Emerging Companies. This forum, proposed by the Ministries of Digital Transformation and Industry and Tourism, aims to boost the development of startups in Spain and promote collaboration between the public and private sectors, as provided for in Law 28/2022.

Key functions

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Public Policy Analysis

Study of public policies to foster entrepreneurship in R&D&I, promoting diversity, inclusion, and democratic principles.

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Coordination of Measures

Facilitates coordination among the competent bodies, offering recommendations to harmonize support services and programs.

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Best Practices

Identifies and promotes national and international best practices focused on financing, internationalization, scaling, and access to innovation for emerging companies.

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International Policies

Disseminates policies from the European Union, the OECD, and other international organizations on entrepreneurship and innovation.

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Observatory

Analyzes the status and trends of emerging companies by conducting studies, workshops, and producing outreach materials.

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Policy dissemination

Shares innovative entrepreneurship policies implemented by administrations and competent bodies at national, regional, and local levels.

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Dialogue with the Ecosystem

Promotes dialogue between public administration and other actors within Spain’s innovation ecosystem.

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Program Evaluation

Assesses entrepreneurship support programs based on innovation and proposes improvements for relevant EU and Spanish research and innovation programs.

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Entrepreneurship Support

Suggests improvements to the system of state aid for business innovation.

Composition of the National Forum of Emerging Companies

 

The National Forum of Emerging Companies will be composed of the following members:

Chair: Secretary of State for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence
Vice Chair: Secretary of State for Industry
Members:

  • Ministry of Inclusion, Migration and Social Security.
  • Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
  • Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business.
  • Ministry of Finance.
  • Ministry of Industry and Tourism.
  • Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.
  • Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Function.
  • Ministry of Labor and Social Economy.
  • Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge.
  • Ministry of Health.
  • Secretary of State for Migration.
  • Secretary of State for Agriculture and Food.
  • Secretary of State for Defense.
  • National Innovation Company (ENISA).
  • ICEX Spain Export and Investment.
  • Secretary of State for Economy and Business Support.
  • Secretary of State for Finance.
  • Axis Business Participation (ICO).
  • Center for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI).
  • Public Business Entity Red.es.
  • Spain Society for Technological Transformation (SETT).
  • SEPI Business Development (SEPIDES).
  • Autonomous Communities.
  • Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP).
  • BME-Growth.
  • Asebio (Spanish Association of Bio-companies).
  • SpainCAP (Spanish Association of Capital, Growth and Investment).
  • TECH Barcelona.
  • Estech.
  • Endeavor.
  • WA4STEAM.
  • South Summit.
  • Cluster.es.

Latest news

 

Discover the latest updates, activities, events, and key trends from the National Forum of Emerging Companies:

On May 27, 2025, the constitutive meeting of the National Forum of Emerging Companies took place, a new participation body created to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Spain. Convened by the State Secretariat for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, the meeting brought together representatives of the Government, autonomous communities, associations of the technological sector, universities, research centers, and startups. The main objective was to establish a permanent space for dialogue between the public and private spheres, aimed at identifying challenges, proposing regulatory solutions, and fostering a more competitive and innovative environment for emerging companies.

Among the attendees were representatives of nine ministries: Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Service, Ministry of Industry and Tourism, Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Labor and Social Economy, Ministry of Inclusion, Migration and Social Security, Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Public entities key in supporting startups also participated, such as ENISA, ICEX, ICO, CDTI, Red.es, the State Secretariat for Telecommunications and Digital Transformation (SETT), and Sepides. Regarding territorial administrations, the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country was represented and, at the local level, the FEMP. From the private entrepreneurial ecosystem, organizations such as BME-Growth, Asebio, SpainCAP, TECH Barcelona, Estech, Endeavor, WA4STEAM, South Summit, and Clúster.es attended.

During the inaugural session, the strategic lines of work of the forum were defined, which will include monitoring of the startup law, promotion of digital talent, attraction of investment, and improvement of the regulatory framework. The participants agreed on the need for fluid and continuous collaboration to adapt public policies to the reality of technological entrepreneurship. The meeting concluded with the commitment to draw up an action plan and convene periodic sessions that guarantee the evolution and consolidation of the forum as a key tool for economic development and innovation in Spain.