Extremadura is a European region located in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. It comprises the provinces of Cáceres and Badajoz, covering 41,634 km² (7% of the Iberian Peninsula) and home to more than one million inhabitants. The region is characterised by its extensive natural and cultural heritage, with around 30% of its territory under some form of environmental protection. Its economy is largely driven by the service sector, followed by agriculture, while industry is mainly concentrated in agro-food production, renewable energy, cork, textiles, and ornamental stone.
According to the Regional Innovation Scoreboard, Extremadura is classified as an Emerging Innovator+ and is recognised among Spain’s Moderate Innovator regions. The region is advancing its innovation capacity through the implementation of its Extremadura 2030 Circular Economy Strategy and its Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3). Its regional ecosystem integrates renewable energy, bioeconomy, and industrial innovation, creating favourable conditions for the development of circular value chains and sustainable business models.
Within RIVCircular project, Extremadura is represented by two complementary organisations: Junta de Extremadura and FUNDECYT-PCTEX. The General Secretariat of Economy, Enterprise and Trade of the Junta de Extremadura leads regional policies to strengthen business competitiveness and manages the cascade funding allocated to the project. FUNDECYT-PCTEX, FUNDECYT Science and Technology Park of Extremadura, supports the implementation of the region’s research and innovation strategies by connecting businesses, research organisations and European innovation networks. Together, both organisations will mobilise companies and private entities to develop innovative solutions in areas such as sustainable construction, circular energy, electric mobility, sustainable textiles and digitalisation.
Their complementary roles combine policy leadership, public investment, technical expertise, and ecosystem coordination. Through collaboration in innovation networking, stakeholder engagement, local innovation hubs, capacity building, and the cascade funding activities, Junta de Extremadura and FUNDECYT-PCTEX contribute to strengthening regional innovation and supporting the transition towards a more circular and competitive economy.
Learn more about the stakeholders from Extremadura participating in the RIVCircular Matchmaking Platform to build consortia and apply for the RIVCircular Open Call.