Informa D&B also highlights that the majority of startups are mainly distributed in the communications and business services sectors, which represent 34% of the total, even if the highest turnover goes to the industrial sector. It represents 22% of the more than 2,200 million euros invoiced by companies registered throughout Spain.
The Basque ecosystem is particularly nurtured by B2B (business-to-business) start-ups, “since their customers tend to be other companies,” says David Montero of BIC Álava. By sector, industry, energy and biosciences stand out in number, with developments often linked to digitalisation, automation and artificial intelligence. In Bizkaia, one of its spokespersons, Borja Liaño, emphasizes the variety, even as he underlines the strong presence of industrial and technological projects.
Other characteristics of start-ups are a lower chance of closure compared to traditional companies – their risk score is 22% compared to the 29% that other companies have on average – or the low presence of women on the boards of directors of their companies , 13%.
“Most of the projects are technological in nature, so we inherit a gap that exists in universities and professional training centers, with the exception of the healthcare sector,” adds Montero. “Yes, the trend is similar,” they tell Bizkaia, although they stress that “active work” is being carried out to seek a balance that helps promote diversity that translates into “richer projects”.
Absolutely! Below is a hypothetical interview between the Time.news editor and an expert in a field, reflecting the kind of engaging content based on a relevant article. Since you did not provide the specific article, I’ll create a general scenario.
Interview: Exploring the Future of Renewable Energy
Participants:
- Editor: Sarah Thompson, Editor-in-Chief at Time.news
- Expert: Dr. Emily Carter, Renewable Energy Specialist and Professor at GreenTech University
Sarah Thompson: Welcome, Dr. Carter! We’re excited to have you with us today to discuss the future of renewable energy. There’s been a lot of momentum in this field lately, especially with the recent global climate conferences. What do you think are the most significant advancements we’ve seen in renewable energy over the past few years?
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me, Sarah. One of the most noteworthy advancements is the dramatic drop in the cost of solar and wind energy technologies. Innovations in materials and manufacturing processes have made these sources not only viable but economically competitive. Additionally, battery storage technology is advancing rapidly, which is vital for addressing the intermittent nature of these energy sources.
Sarah Thompson: That’s a great point! The affordability and efficiency of renewable energy are crucial for widespread adoption. Can you touch on the role of government policy and infrastructure in supporting these advancements?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely. Government policy has been a double-edged sword in the renewable sector. On one hand, incentives like tax credits and grants have propelled innovation. However, inconsistent policies can create uncertainty for investors and businesses. Infrastructure also matters; investing in smart grids and improving our energy transmission systems is essential to integrate renewable sources effectively.
Sarah Thompson: So, how do you see the transition to renewables impacting job markets? There’s often conversation about the loss of jobs in traditional energy sectors.
Dr. Emily Carter: That’s a critical point. While some jobs in fossil fuel industries are declining, new opportunities in renewable sectors are emerging – from manufacturing to installation and maintenance. In fact, some studies predict that the renewable energy sector could create millions of jobs worldwide in the coming decade.
Sarah Thompson: Fascinating! Let’s discuss public perception. How do you think the general public views renewable energy today compared to a decade ago?
Dr. Emily Carter: There’s been a noticeable shift. Awareness of climate change impacts has risen significantly, and many people understand the urgency for clean energy solutions. Polls show that a majority of people now support renewable energy initiatives and understand their importance in tackling climate challenges.
Sarah Thompson: That’s encouraging! Given this progress, what do you believe are the biggest challenges we still face in accelerating the transition to renewable energy?
Dr. Emily Carter: One of the main challenges is integrating renewable energy into existing grids, which weren’t designed for such fluctuations in power supply. Moreover, there’s still a need for more robust research in areas like carbon capture and energy storage to make renewables even more efficient. Lastly, political will is crucial; without cohesive action, the progress can stall.
Sarah Thompson: Those are certainly challenges that require attention. As we look ahead, what emerging technologies do you find most exciting in the renewable energy sector?
Dr. Emily Carter: I’m particularly excited about advancements in solar technology, like solar skins that blend into roofs, and floating wind turbines that can be deployed in deeper waters. These technologies could significantly expand our capacity to harness renewable energy.
Sarah Thompson: With such innovation on the horizon, it’s clear that the future of renewable energy is bright. Before we wrap up, what message do you want to convey to our readers about their role in this energy transition?
Dr. Emily Carter: I encourage everyone to advocate for renewable energy in their communities, support policies that promote sustainability, and consider their own energy consumption habits. Even small changes can contribute to a larger collective impact.
Sarah Thompson: Thank you so much, Dr. Carter, for your insights today. The journey towards a sustainable future is an exciting one, and we appreciate your expertise in guiding us through it!
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you, Sarah! It was a pleasure to discuss these vital topics with you.
This format can be adapted to any specific article you have in mind by tailoring the questions and responses to reflect the key themes and insights from that piece.