The Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation is responsible for the proposal and execution of the Government’s policy regarding, scientific research, technological development and innovation in all sectors. It promotes and coordinates scientific research, the Spanish participation in the R + D + I programmes promoted by the European Union within the scope of its competences, including the Framework Program for Research and Innovation, as well was the Spanish representation in other programmes, forums and organizations of a European nature.

The Ministry is also responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, development, monitoring and representation of Spain in Large Research and Technological facilities and International Organizations.

In the National context, MICINN is in charge of the Singular Scientific and Technical Infrastructures (ICTS), the national Research Infrastructures, term that refers to facilities, resources or services necessary to develop state-of-the-art research of the highest quality, as well as for the transmission, exchange and preservation of knowledge, the transfer of technology and the promotion of innovation. They are unique and exceptional in their kind, with a very high investment, maintenance and operation cost, and their importance and strategic nature justify their availability for the entire R + D + i collective. The ICTS have three fundamental characteristics, they are publicly owned infrastructures, they are unique and they are open to competitive access.