The Aragonese Agency Foundation for Research and Development (ARAID) has taken a significant step by updating its Statutes, thereby reinforcing its role in the R&D+i system of Aragon. This amendment, approved in a recent meeting of the Board of Trustees, aims to provide the entity with a more modern and flexible legal framework.
Statute Update: A New Legal Framework
The meeting of the ARAID Board of Trustees, presided over by Carmen Susín, the Counselor of Education, Science, and Universities for the Government of Aragon, served as the venue for the approval of the modification of the Foundation’s Statutes. This update aligns its operations with the Law 5/2021 on the Organization and Legal Regime of the Autonomous Public Sector of Aragon. With this reform, ARAID solidifies its position as an executing agent of the Aragonese System of R&D+i, equipping itself with a legal framework that will enable it to operate with greater flexibility.
New Capabilities to Enhance Knowledge Transfer
Among the new features introduced is the inclusion of an article that allows ARAID to create or participate in various knowledge-based entities, such as spin-offs and start-ups. This ability aims to facilitate the transfer of research results to the productive sector, promoting innovative initiatives related to intellectual and industrial property. Additionally, it seeks to encourage the involvement of research staff in technology-based business projects, always within the boundaries of current regulatory norms.
Strengthening Strategic Role and Organizational Changes
The statutory reform also includes adjustments to the hiring and personnel regime, aligning with public sector regulations. The functions of ARAID’s governing bodies are updated, and the holding of remote meetings is facilitated. Moreover, the financial threshold for certain routine management contracts is increased, allowing the Foundation to operate with greater administrative and operational agility.
With these modifications, ARAID positions itself as a key instrument of the Government of Aragon to attract research talent, foster collaboration among universities, research centers, businesses, and administrations, and drive innovation as a catalyst for economic and social development in the region.
