From Research to Real-World Impact: WAITRO at Advanced Factories 2026

Deep technologies are increasingly shaping the future of industrial advancement and innovation ecosystems worldwide. Within this evolving landscape, WAITRO participated in the panel discussion “Leading Deeptech Ecosystems – Technology Centres Driving Industrial Impact”, hosted by Leitat Technological Center at Advanced Factories 2026 in Barcelona. 

Our Program Manager for Capacity Development, Alina Brangs, joined the round table alongside Eleni Dritsakou (EARTO – European Association of Research and Technology Organisations) and Laura Olcina Puerto (Fedit – Federación Española de Centros Tecnológicos). The discussion was moderated by Leitat representative Evelyn Moreno-Calvo (PhD) and focused on how deep technologies can successfully transition from research into industrial and societal impact. 

The discussion highlighted that successful innovation ecosystems are not defined by a single factor, but rather by how effectively their different elements are interconnected. Across many regions worldwide, talent, innovative ideas, and emerging markets already exist. What often determines success, however are the structures and networks that help translate research into real-world applications through collaboration, funding access, technology transfer, and alignment with industrial and societal demand. 

A central theme of the discussion was the importance of mutual learning between regions. While advanced economies offer strong scientific excellence, industrial depth, and well-established applied research infrastructures, many emerging and fast-growing ecosystems demonstrate highly pragmatic and solution-oriented approaches. From a WAITRO perspective, the discussion reinforced a key message: scaling deeptech globally requires strong, well-coordinated international networks rather than institutions operating in silos. It also highlighted the importance of building partnerships on equal footing, aligning regional priorities, and developing demand-driven solutions that create shared value and contribute to sustainable industrial and societal impact. 

The panel also reflected broader developments currently taking place in Spain and across Europe. The launch of Spain’s National Deep Tech Strategy and recent impact reports by Fedit highlight the growing recognition that transforming scientific excellence into industrial competitiveness requires strong collaboration between research organizations, technology centres, industry, and policymakers. 

As deeptech continues to evolve globally, fostering collaboration, strengthening innovation ecosystems, and connecting research with real-world applications will remain essential for building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable ecosystems.