The recognition and equivalence of university degrees obtained abroad is a key procedure for facilitating the integration into Spain’s educational, professional and labour systems of individuals who have completed their studies in other countries. However, rising demand and the complexity of the administrative process have in recent years led to a significant backlog of applications and lengthy processing times.

To address this challenge, the General Secretariat for Universities, part of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, has entrusted Ineco with leading an ambitious project to transform the system.

Re-engineering, automation and operational reinforcement

Ineco’s work tackles the recognition process through a comprehensive, end-to-end approach. During the first phase, substantial progress has already been achieved: the average processing time has been reduced to under 365 days thanks to organisational improvements and targeted operational reinforcement measures.

In parallel, a second phase of the project is under way, focused on strategic consultancy, process re-engineering and the automation of manual tasks. A new IT system has also been designed—more agile, robust and aligned with the needs of both the procedure and the staff who manage it.

In addition, Ineco has provided a specialised team to help address the backlog of pending cases in the short term, ensuring that improvements are sustained over time.

A strong track record in digitalisation

This project builds on Ineco’s extensive experience in supporting the digital transformation of Spain’s public administration. From its work in the 2000s on the deployment of advanced telecommunications networks and services through Retevisión, to more recent initiatives in key sectors, the company has long accompanied public institutions in their technological and organisational modernisation.