Thanks to this agreement, these entities, which have been working together since 2017, will develop various lines of research and work. Specifically, they will undertake two studies whose results will help companies in the Basque Country to be more competitive by adapting in anticipation of the changes linked to the energy/climate transition, eco-innovation, and digitisation.

The agreement was signed by the General Directors of both entities (Alexander Boto of Ihobe and María José Aranguren of Orkestra), and it spans a maximum period of up to four years. In the short term, it will already translate into two preliminary reports for this 2021. One of them will analyse the impact of climate change on competitiveness and employment in business sectors (analysis of the environmental footprint by sector).

Likewise, another study will be prepared related with the opportunities generated by eco-innovation and related to European policies on products, materials, etc. (the "Ecodesign" or "ErP" directive, sustainable procurement, the Industrial Emissions Directive, etc.). The aim is to guide the priorities of eco-innovation so as to generate an impact on future competitive and environmental improvement.

In the years to come, Ihobe and Orkestra will seek to deepen their knowledge in other aspects that are of a high value for the sustainable competitiveness of businesses

An analysis of the relationship between the circular economy and digitisation will be undertaken, with special attention being paid to data management in industrial value chains; likewise, the competitive potential of future eco-innovation initiatives in the Basque Country will be assessed, as well as the effect on the Basque economy of dependence on critical materials and key metals with high environmental impacts.

The agreement additionally contemplates the possibility of developing a methodology for creating a regional eco-innovation index, as well as research on business opportunities in the Basque Country's circular economy.

The report entitled “The Positioning of Basque Companies Faced with the Opportunities Offered by the Circular Economy” is one of the pieces of work carried out by both entities. In said report, the behaviour of Basque companies in terms of the circular economy is analysed, as well the results expected after integrating this new methodology into production processes.

In short, Ihobe and Orkestra are joining forces in the interest of increasing sustainable competitive value for our country and its organisations.