Industry 4.0 in Catalonia

Catalonia’s long-standing manufacturing strength is now evolving into a new phase of digital transformation with the region being home to 1,447 companies specializing in Industry 4.0 technologies—a 30.2% increase since 2021.

Find your supplier in Industry 4.0

Catalonia's Industry 4.0 sector, a thriving & innovative industry.

Catalonia’s Industry 4.0 ecosystem is expanding at pace, generating €7.197 billion in revenue—equivalent to 2.6% of regional GDP—and supporting more than 37,000 jobs. According to the latest Industry 4.0 in Catalonia report by Catalonia Trade & Investment, the region is now home to 1,447 companies specializing in Industry 4.0 technologies, marking a 30.2% increase since the previous mapping in 2021.

The term Industry 4.0 refers to the convergence and application of technologies—particularly digital ones—to transform how products and services are designed, manufactured, operated, and delivered. In this context, Catalonia stands out as one of Europe’s most dynamic territories for industrial innovation and digital transformation.

A diversified and technology-rich ecosystem

Cybersecurity (35% of firms), artificial intelligence (34.8%), Internet of Things (23.5%), cloud computing (23.2%), and semiconductors (12.9%) are the leading technologies adopted by companies in the region. Other key sectors include robotics, photonics, additive manufacturing, immersive technologies, quantum computing, blockchain, and supercomputing.

A growing share of this ecosystem is driven by new ventures: 27.5% of Industry 4.0 firms are less than 10 years old, and 14% are classified as startups. Notably, 62% of the 2,285 startups in the Barcelona & Catalonia Startup Hub are working in Industry 4.0-related technologies—with 29% focusing on AI and big data as their core innovation areas.

“Catalonia stands out as an industrial-rich environment surpassing Spain and Europe and attracts innovative leaders in various fields”

Dr. Ansgar Kriwet, Member of the Management Board of Sales at Festo

Share quote:

1,447 companies
€7.2B turnover
37,000+ employees

International reach and strong infrastructure

Catalonia’s Industry 4.0 ecosystem is highly internationalized. Nearly 37% of the companies export their services and products, while 17% are foreign subsidiaries. The region also hosts 106 international technology hubs dedicated to Industry 4.0—two-thirds of all hubs operating in Catalonia. These hubs are particularly active in AI and big data (56%), cloud services (49%), and cybersecurity (31%).

Supporting this growth is a robust innovation infrastructure. Catalonia offers a broad network of research and technology centers, universities, business associations, clusters, and professional bodies. Key institutions include the Digital Innovation Hub (DIH4CAT), promoted by the Catalan Government through Catalonia Trade & Investment, and the Digital Catalonia Alliance, which brings together emerging technology sectors under a unified strategic umbrella.

In addition, Catalonia is home to some of Europe’s most important technology events, including the Mobile World Congress, ISE, Smart City Expo World Congress, IoT Solutions World Congress, and the Advanced Factories Expo, positioning the region at the center of global dialogue on industrial innovation.

Industry 4.0 and the future

The strategic benefits of Industry 4.0 adoption are increased productivity, operational efficiency, business agility, and the ability to offer personalized and sustainable products and services. These technologies are helping not only Catalan firms but also many international companies based here to develop new business models and widen their global market reach.

At the European level, initiatives such as Horizon Europe, Next Generation EU, and the Digital Europe Programme are playing a key role regarding this technology. The EU’s broader policy framework—including the Digital Strategy, Net-Zero Industry Act, and AI Act—is also accelerating adoption across member states, also favoring the advance of Industry 4.0 in Catalonia.

Catalonia Trade & Investment continues to be fundamental in facilitating this transformation, both by supporting the local ecosystem and attracting investment. Recent projects by AstraZeneca, Chery, and Lotte Energy Materials show how multinational companies are choosing Catalonia as a launchpad for Industry 4.0 operations in Europe.

Ultimately, as the global race for industrial innovation intensifies, Catalonia is proving to be a competitive leader. With a rich industrial base, strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, and clear government support, the region is well positioned to shape the future of advanced manufacturing in Europe—and beyond.