The SWAM Project. Regions of Knowledge 2009

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1 The SWAM Project Increasing the Regional Competitiveness through the R&TD on Sustainable Use of Water Regions of Knowledge

2 Do you know Murcia? The available of water resources is a key contributory factor to economic and social development, as well as being an essential pillar of environmental preservation. The Region of Murcia, located on the Mediterranean coast of Spain and with a semi-arid climate, has historically suffered from water scarcity. Some facts: Area - 11,317 Km2 Population (2007) 1,370,206 inhabitants GDP (2007) - 27,237 million; 6.8% increase on 2006 We have a strong culture in the efficient use of water and development of innovative policies and technologies relating to sustainable water management (SWAM). In fact, we have the most advanced legislation in the EU about water saving and conservation. 2

3 Our problem is our chance Due to the continuous water scarcity the Region of Murcia has developed a research-driven cluster focused on the technologies for an efficient water management Some facts: Number of companies around 120 (99% SMEs) Number of employees around 1,500 Sales (2006) - 250,000 million RTD profile 55% performs RTD activities Exportation 48% mainly to South America, Mexico and Morocco. Main research and technological development areas: Water saving, conservation, efficient distribution and use Water treatment and reuse Water desalination 3

4 SWAT cluster * Based on Triple Helix Model Public Administration INFO. Regional Development Agency DGUPC. Directorate-General of Universities and Science Policy EPA. Water Public Body Industry FREMM. Regional Federation of Metal Industry Companies COCINRM. Regional Chambers of Commerce RITEC. Irrigation Technologies S.L. AZUD. Irrigation Systems S.L. DENSIT. Integral Desalination S.L. NUTRICONTROL. Automation Water Control Systems S.L. ECOHIDRO. Water and Environment S.L. SYNION. Water Consulting S.L. Regional Research-Driven Cluster External Agents Financial Bodies CAM. Mediterranean Savings Bank CM. Region of Murcia Savings Bank * (non comprehensive list) Universities & Academia UMU. University of Murcia UPCT. Polytechnic University of Cartagena IMIDA. Research Institute for Agriculture Development CEBAS. Research Institute for Applied Biology and Edaphology CIFACITA. Research & Training Centre for Intensive Agriculture FP. Vocational Education and Training (VET) Public System CTNC. Food Industry Centre of Technology CTME. Metal Industry Centre of Technology CETEC. Plastics Industry Centre of Technology CETENMA. Energy and Environment Centre of Technology 4

5 What are we looking for? We are looking for partners Are you interested in sustainable water management? Does your Region have similar interest to us? We are preparing a proposal in order to participate in the Regions of Knowledge Programme (2009). Main objectives: Strengthen the capacity for investing in RTD and carrying out research activities Produce research strategies that contribute to regional economic development Through the development of these regional research-driven clusters Associated and candidate countries are also eligible! Project Duration = up to 36 months / Project Budget = approx. 1M / Deadline for proposal submission = 27/01/

6 Expected outcome & impact We are sure that our cooperation will Improve links between research actors, business community and local authorities Foster transnational / cross-border cooperation Enhance mutual learning and exchanges of experience and best practices between regional actors And what s more the expected impact is Regional economic growth and competitiveness Response to the needs of regional business communities Mobilisation of local, national and community funds Increase in and more effective investment in R&D Inclusion into the ERA Sustainable use of water Efficient use Higher degree of reuse Lower costs of production Decrease of energy needed Higher environmental protection 6

7 Contact If you are interested in joining us or you only want further information, please contact to: The SWAM Project Mr. Manuel Tarraga Tel THANK YOU VERY MUCH 7