The research, technological development, and innovation carried out in a country are critical factors for determining its economic growth, standard of living, and international competitiveness. It is also of great importance for the survival of organisations as they contribute to placing them in an appropriate position to face the new challenges that arise in an ever more globalised market.

AENOR's standardization and certification of R&D&I activities makes it possible to:

• Systemise the research, development and innovation activities: AENOR, with the support of the Ministry of Science and Technology, has prepared a series of UNE standards the objective of which is to promote and systemise the research, development and innovation activities in the Spanish Science - Technology - Business systems (National and Regional governments, intermediaries, companies...).

UNE 166000:2006 "R&D&I management. Terminology and definitions of R&D&I activities"

UNE 166001:2006 "R&D&I management. Requirements for an R&D&I project"

UNE 166002:2006 "R&D&I management. Requirements for an R&D&I Management System"

UNE 166006:2006 EX "R&D&I management: Technology Watch System"

• Benefit from important tax deductions: The strategic importance of these elements for the country has led the Public Administration to encourage and promote these activities, providing tax incentives in the Company Tax Law (article 35) for companies that incur expenses considered as being related to R&D&I. AENOR's Certification of R&D&I projects opens access to these tax incentives, by making it possible to obtain the report made by the Ministry of Science and Technology. A report, which is binding for the Tax Office (Ministerio de Hacienda), that establishes the content of research, development and innovation of the projects.
• Reducing uncertainty and increasing management efficiency: AENOR's Project Certificate, R&D&I Management Systems Certificate, and the Technology Watch Systems Certificate contribute to promoting research, development and innovation work in organisations, improving their image and competitiveness against other companies in the sector.

They also help company managers to make appropriate decisions when carrying out projects, reduce uncertainty regarding their content, and quantify both investment and subsequent expenses incurred in carrying them out.

In accordance with these standards, AENOR has developed several types of certification:

• R&D&I Project Certification
• R&D&I Management Systems Certification
• Research personnel
• Technology watch systems