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Published online 9 July 2008 | Nature 454, 147 (2008) | doi:10.1038/454147a

News: Q&A

A Spanish revival

Spain's Ministry of Science and Innovation was re-established in April, four years after its dissolution in 2004. Cristina Garmendia, a former molecular biologist and chief executive of the Genetrix group of biotech companies, heads the new ministry.

Cristina Jimenez

Why is the ministry putting so much emphasis on innovation?

We want to strengthen the chain of knowledge from its generation in universities and public research bodies, to the stage where it translates into a benefit to society in the form of products and services. The ministry has taken on responsibility for the main areas involved in this chain, with the goal of promoting the creation of technology-based companies.

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  • The conservative party hired a dot.com expert as Minister of Science 8 years back... now the socialists hire a biotech expert... Going for the next bubble?

    • 16 Jul, 2008
    • Posted by: Ansel Ad