Grants for digital transformation aimed at Associations and Federations of Exporters recognised as partner entities of the General State Administration form part of Component 13, “Boosting SMEs”, of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, under Investment 5 supporting the trade sector. This investment focuses on internationalisation, digitalisation and sustainability as strategies to enhance the competitiveness of the industrial fabric and SMEs, and to reduce their vulnerability.

Along the same lines, the Action Plan for the Internationalisation of the Spanish Economy, led by the Secretariat of State for Trade, places particular emphasis on digitalisation by setting out measures to ensure that the external sector becomes a pillar of growth and employment, while increasing its resilience.

Associations and Federations of Exporters play a structuring role across the various economic sectors, making a significant contribution to opening up and consolidating new international markets, while facilitating a higher degree of internationalisation among Spanish companies. For this reason, the General State Administration establishes a framework for collaboration to support their development and consolidation, and to promote cohesion across the sectors they represent, acting as drivers of activity for their member companies, primarily SMEs.

Eligible expenditure

Eligible costs related to the digital transformation of Associations and Federations of Exporters recognised as partner entities of the Secretariat of State for Trade may include:

• Improving network connectivity and upgrading servers to promote digital transformation in employment and productivity through remote working.
• Adapting workspaces and renewing IT and communications equipment in line with new technologies, enhancing productivity and competitiveness.
• Acquiring technological solutions for electronic devices as part of digital transformation efforts.
• Server virtualisation in the field of artificial intelligence, fostering research, development and innovation capacity.
• Cybersecurity measures related to new technologies to ensure network and information security.
• Tailored market studies using Big Data, focusing on Spanish companies to support smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.
• Design of modern, user-friendly websites adapted to current technologies.
• Implementation of social media management strategies to attract customers.

The Ministry’s website contains the relevant links, documentation and other information of interest regarding the procedure​