The Steel Innovation Cluster is made up of companies with links to the iron and steel, energy, and transport and logistics sectors, as well as the ITMA Materials Technology Centre. | The objective is to back innovation, technological development and research in the field of this particular material.
Last September, a group of twelve companies decided to join forces to drive forward one of the most important materials in Asturias on a commercial level: steel. The aim was to transform steel employment, development, knowledge, technology and innovation into the flagship of Asturias on a national and international scale.
The twelve companies that made up this innovation group at the outset were ArcelorMittal, the Daniel Alonso Group, Idesa Innovation, Duro Felguera, Astilleros Gondán, Hiasa, Asturfeito, Talleres Alegría, Tuinsa Norte, Mivisa, Olmar and García Rama, as well as the Materials Technology Centre ITMA. Last December four more entities were added to this project: Industrial Olmar, S.A., Hierros Marcelino Franco, S.A., Asturfeito, S.A., TSK Electrónica y Electricidad, S.A. and the University of Oviedo, bringing the total up to sixteen partners.
Recently the “Steel Square” announced the support and collaboration of the University of Oviedo, therefore opening up to a “new public”, as till now the project had mainly targeted companies.
This year’s objective, as published in regional newspapers, is to make the corporate association’s regional projects known in strategic sectors, so as to incorporate “new R&D products” into its work plan. These sectors are oil and gas, capital goods and offshore, among others.
On 19th February, the first informative session was held for teaching staff at the University of Oviedo, with the aim of widening the spectrum of the steel sector in Asturias among researchers.
