ICEX and UAM Research Spanish Companies Abroad: What Could Change for Exporters

Key data

Spanish companies with an international presence will be the subject of a new collaboration between ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones and the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. The agreement, published in the BOE on 23 March 2026 with reference BOE-A-2026-6770, formalises the conduct of joint research focused on the internationalised Spanish company.

This is not a regulation that imposes burdens or deadlines on companies. Its relevance is strategic: the knowledge generated may directly influence how ICEX designs its next tools, programmes and export support calls.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution publishes the collaboration agreement signed between ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones, E.P.E. and the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. The purpose of the agreement is to develop joint research focused on the internationalised Spanish company.

The main pillars of the agreement are as follows:

• Generation of academic and applied analyses on the patterns, challenges and opportunities of Spanish companies with an international presence.
• Production of knowledge to serve as a basis for designing better public policies supporting internationalisation.
• Potential influence on future ICEX calls, programmes and tools aimed at exporters.

The agreement does not establish direct obligations for private companies nor set adaptation deadlines. It is an institutional agreement between two public bodies with an indirect but potentially significant impact on the Spanish export support ecosystem.

Economic and operational impact

In immediate terms, this agreement entails no cost or operational obligation for companies. There are no fees, penalties or compliance deadlines associated with it.

The impact is strategic in nature and will materialise in the medium and long term:

• The research findings may redefine the access criteria for ICEX internationalisation programmes.
• New calls or support instruments designed on the basis of the study's findings may emerge.
• Companies that participate as data sources in the research could gain visibility with ICEX and early access to its conclusions.
• The results may influence the allocation of public resources earmarked for SME internationalisation.

For executives and CFOs of exporting companies, the practical reading is clear: what ICEX learns from this study will partly determine what the next export financing and support tools will look like.

Who is affected?

• Internationalised Spanish companies with subsidiaries, offices or commercial activity abroad.
• Exporting SMEs that use or plan to use ICEX support programmes.
• Self-employed individuals who export or are in the process of internationalising.
• Executives and CFOs responsible for international expansion strategy.
• Foreign trade advisors who support companies through internationalisation processes.
• Foreign trade support bodies that collaborate with ICEX or design complementary programmes.

Practical example

A Spanish industrial SME with a presence in three Latin American markets does not need to take any action today as a direct consequence of this agreement. However, if ICEX identifies through its research that companies with that profile face specific difficulties accessing financing in emerging markets, it could design a dedicated support programme in the next call.

Similarly, if the research concludes that exporting SMEs with fewer than 50 employees have significantly lower international return rates, ICEX could redirect resources towards tailored support instruments for that segment. Companies that stay alert to publications arising from this agreement will have an advantage in anticipating and capitalising on those changes.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify whether your company fits the study profile: if you operate in foreign markets or plan to do so, you are part of the universe that ICEX and UAM will analyse. Knowing that profile allows you to anticipate what instruments might emerge.
2. Monitor ICEX publications: the research findings will translate into documents, reports or new calls. Subscribe to ICEX communications so you do not miss those updates.
3. Review your internationalisation strategy: use this moment to assess whether you are making full use of all currently available support programmes. Any changes arising from the agreement may take months to materialise.
4. Consult your foreign trade advisor: if you work with an internationalisation specialist, share this information. They can help you position yourself better for future calls that may arise as a result of this research.
5. Consider active participation: if ICEX or UAM launch surveys, case studies or data requests to exporting companies under this agreement, participating can give you visibility and early access to their conclusions.

Official source

View full regulation at official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, please consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-6770