ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Jesús María Iriondo Arrizabalaga Chairman of Fundación TEKNIKER The fact that the world is becoming increasingly technical is no longer a subject for debate as the evidence is overwhelming. Consequently, we must constantly monitor and review our technological strategy so it can be adapted to all the changes that are taking place more and more frequently in the market. Our approach with regard to developing strategic models is based on two main pathways: firstly, on the current demand for products/services and, secondly, on analysing future needs and trends using in-house and collaborative models as a reference. Both pathways can be covered in parallel. In the first instance, we are dealing with the priority and duty of being agile and swift with regard to how we support companies to develop new products and service, make technological transfers and industrialise products. Secondly, we must achieve excellence when analysing technological foresight, identifying key points defining market trends and being firmly committed to long-term R&D&I actions. It would be possible to interpret the first pathway based on Specialisation Models currently in circulation in Europe and on Technological Development capabilities demanded by companies. The second one requires a major investment effort to carry out long-term R&D activities, involving both the business sector and academics in order to train research and institutional staff and provide enough stability with regard to long-term investments. Consequently, we believe that the technological mainstreaming of robotics, sensors, laser manufacturing, surface engineering and advanced manufacturing is our key strategic factor as it provides us with technological stability and, to a large extent, can be reoriented towards different markets based on mutations resulting from globalisation, political contexts, monetary flows and technological trends. This mainstreaming is conceptualised by complying with a road map thanks to which 50% of the centre’s revenues come from Technological Transfers and 50% from activities connected to developing knowledge. Being aware of the fact that companies must develop multi- technological products, IK4-TEKNIKER is their ally to explore: technological surveillance, product development, training, means of development, etc. As the collaborative framework established in the plan designed for Collaborating Entities is an excellent tool to achieve this goal, I would like to invite companies to get to know it better. We believe that the technological mainstreaming of robotics, sensors, laser manufacturing, surface engineering and advanced manufacturing is our key strategic factor. 01 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR INDEX 01 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR 02 REPORT BY THE GENERAL MANAGEMENT 03 MARKET MANAGEMENT 04 TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT 05 THE VOICE OF OUR CUSTOMERS AND COLLABORATORS 06 REVENUES AND BOOK BALANCE 07 COLLABORATING ORGANISATIONS & GOVERNING BOARD 08 IK4 RESEARCH ALLIANCE