The tool, called BBVAResearch, is available for free at Apple's App Store. The application offers the user a dynamic way of accessing the economic information available at bbvaresearch.com.

The app's features include a new format for viewing global, regional and local macroeconomic forecasts developed by BBVA Research, as well as filters for viewing all of the BBVA Research content using a range of criteria. Specifically, users can access all the reports by geographic area (global, Europe, Spain, U.S., Mexico, Latin America or Asia); by theme (macroeconomic or sector-based analyses, financial systems, pensions, migration) or by type of publication (Economic Outlooks, Watches, Working Papers, Flashes, books, opinion articles, etc.).

Furthermore, all users can access the EAGLE (Emerging and Growth-Leading Economies) or Country Risk reports and will have the option of selecting content and saving them as favorites to read later. The tool also has the capability to share content on social networks, including Twitter and Facebook.

The head of BBVA Research, Jorge Sicilia, believes that this new application represents "another step toward BBVA Research's consolidation as a benchmark in macroeconomic research and analysis, thanks to the increase in the distribution of our reports to new users."

Sicilia also pointed out that "this project stems from a need to bring economic analysis within reach of our customers and society at large during these particularly challenging times, using cutting-edge technologies that allow a wider and better distribution of the information."

New lines of work

The new app is being developed jointly by the areas of Innovation and Processes of BBVA Research, and BBVA Group's area of Innovation & Technology-Mobility. The new app is part of the BBVA Research Service's digital strategy, which is based on the application of new information technologies to provide access to all of BBVA Research's content from any location in a dynamic and interactive way.

The strategy is complemented by other lines of action that have been in development since early 2012 and are due to be completed this year. These include the transformation of the website www.bbvaresearch.com to make it easier for all types of interested audiences to access macroeconomic information, and to produce reports in new digital formats in order to enhance their versatility and make them easier to read and distribute through new channels. Similarly, work is also being done to achieve the revitalization of the presence on social networks to support the establishment of an ongoing and dynamic dialogue with the different types of audiences, such as those on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

The project is in line with BBVA Group's innovation strategy, which places the spotlight on technology as an instrument of transformation and customer service, and reinforces its engagement with society and its contribution to the economic debate.