On 14 June 2024, a Technology Breakfast was held at the Mirador de La Peña, in Guarazoca, Valverde, with the aim of highlighting the opportunities for development in El Hierro through research, development and innovation (R+D+i) within the framework of the Canary Islands Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3). This event, organised by the Department of Universities, Science and Innovation of the Canary Islands Government, through the Canary Islands Agency for Research, Innovation and the Information Society (ACIISI), in collaboration with the Cabildo of El Hierro, sought not only to showcase the projects underway, but also to visualise the island’s great socio-economic potential.
The meeting brought together representatives of public and business organisations on the island, as well as regional stakeholders, to discuss the deployment of the actions envisaged in the extended RIS3 and to gather proposals for the design of future policies in this area, particularly in the new Canary Islands R&D&I Plan.
During the session, Javier Roo, Head of R&D&I Projects at ACIISI, presented some of the innovative projects being carried out, highlighting the AquaWind project as a key example of initiatives that can transform the future of the Canary Islands in terms of sustainability and technological progress.
The day also included a participatory space where attendees were able to share their visions and contribute ideas on current projects and future opportunities, with a special focus on the creation of new transformative projects. This exchange of ideas was essential to gather the vision of the island’s socio-economic actors and ensure that future actions are aligned with local needs.
The event concluded with a networking session, which allowed participants to strengthen ties and create new synergies to continue driving the development of El Hierro through innovation and collaboration. This Technology Breakfast is thus consolidated as a fundamental pillar in the governance process of the extended RIS3 and in the long-term development strategy of the island.