Report: Catalonia, where state of the art engineering thrives

Catalonia, which has always had a strong industrial base, today is home to a widespread critical mass of experienced and specialized engineering companies covering 14 different specialisations thanks to its industrial diversification. Within this diversification, Industry 4.0 is the most offered speciality, followed by ICT and energy.

According to the report The engineering scope in Catalonia, a total of 672 companies have created a workforce of some 45,000 people and generate 3.1 % of the Catalan GDP, thanks to a combined turnover of 5,404 M€.

Most firms work in process and product engineering, 45 % and 24 % respectively. And while 96 % of Catalan engineering companies are SMEs, it is the 8 % that are behind virtually three-quarters of the total turnover and workforce.

Talent and knowledge, always on hand

The sector has easy access to specialised and competitively priced talent thanks to 50 university degrees being available in the Catalan university system and over 60 dual vocational training qualifications.

In fact, 16 % of all Catalan graduates leave university with an engineering degree, the majority in the following specialisations: Industry 4.0 engineering, ICT engineering, chemical engineering and aeronautical engineering.

Furthermore, the excellence of the local university offer is recognised by its presence among the top 10 International universities.

The sector also is backed up by a wide support system made up of 14 training centres and universities and 32 tech and research centres. What’s more, it is the only region in Spain with three specialised automotive centres.

There are also 21 professional associations and 13 industrial clusters which all work to add dynamism and future to the engineering sector in Catalonia.

Trade fairs keeping the industry ahead

Ensuring that the industry con build a cohesive network of connected professionals, showcase both locally and internationally the work being done and stay ahead of the technological advances in engineering, the sector is energised by having three specialised trade fairs – the Forum Industria 4.0, Advanced Factories and BCN Industry. Moreover, there are several other related fairs that also give added value to the sector