The Council of Ministers has approved Royal Decree 1138/2024, which establishes the National Forum of 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 outlined in Law 28/2022.
Main Functions
Public Policy Analysis
Study of public policies to promote entrepreneurship in R&D&I, aimed at fostering diversity, inclusion, and democratic principles.
Coordination of Measures
Facilitates coordination among the competent bodies by proposing recommendations to harmonize services and support programs for emerging companies.
Best Practices
Identifies and promotes national and international best practices focused on financing, internationalization, scaling, and access to innovation for emerging companies.
International Policies
Disseminates the policies of the European Union, the OECD, and other international organizations on entrepreneurship and innovation.
Observatory
Analyzes the status and trends of emerging companies by conducting studies, workshops, and creating outreach materials.
Policy Dissemination
Disseminates innovative entrepreneurship policies implemented by national, regional, and local administrations and competent bodies.
Dialogue with the Ecosystem
Promotes dialogue between the public administration and other actors in the Spanish innovation ecosystem.
Program Evaluation
Evaluates support programs for innovation-based entrepreneurship and proposes improvements to relevant research and innovation programs of the EU and Spain.
Entrepreneurship Support
Proposes improvements to the state aid system 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 participatory body created to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Spain. Convened by the State Secretariat for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, the meeting brought together representatives from the Government, autonomous communities, technology sector associations, universities, research centers, and startups. The main goal was to establish a permanent space for dialogue between the public and private sectors, aimed at identifying challenges, proposing regulatory solutions, and fostering a more competitive and innovative environment for emerging companies.
Among the attendees were representatives from nine ministries: the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Service, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Labor and Social Economy, the Ministry of Inclusion, Migration and Social Security, the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Key public entities supporting startups also participated, including ENISA, ICEX, ICO, CDTI, Red.es, the State Secretariat for Telecommunications and Digital Transformation (SETT), and Sepides. In terms of territorial administrations, the Basque Country was represented, and at the local level, the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP). From the private entrepreneurial ecosystem, organizations such as BME-Growth, Asebio, SpainCAP, TECH Barcelona, Estech, Endeavor, WA4STEAM, South Summit, and Clúster.es were present.
During the opening session, the forum’s strategic lines of work were defined, including monitoring the startup law, promoting digital talent, attracting investment, and improving the regulatory framework. Participants agreed on the need for smooth and ongoing collaboration to adapt public policies to the reality of technological entrepreneurship. The meeting concluded with a commitment to develop an action plan and convene regular sessions to ensure the forum’s evolution and consolidation as a key tool for economic development and innovation in Spain.