Catalonia is the second region in the EU for Pharmaceutical employment

Catalonia has solidified its position as a key player in Europe's pharmaceutical industry, ranking as the second region in the European Union (EU) for pharmaceutical employment, according to a report by International Financial Analysts (AFI) titled "Socioeconomic Contribution of Medicines and the Pharmaceutical Industry in Spain" Only Lombardy, in Italy, employs more workers in the sector (23,699 in Lombardy versus 23,646 in Catalonia), underscoring Catalonia's significant role in the European pharmaceutical landscape.

Catalonia concentrates pharma manufacturing plants

Catalonia's pharmaceutical sector is a cornerstone of its economy and a major contributor to its industrial output. With employment figures comparable to Lombardy's, Catalonia has become a hub for pharmaceutical innovation and production.

According to data from the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), around 50% of Spain's large pharmaceutical manufacturing plants are located in Catalonia. Regarding economic results, Catalonia and Madrid dominate Spain's pharmaceutical sector, accounting for 81% of its turnover, 93% of its pharmaceutical exports, 69% of its R&D investment, and 71% of its workforce.

Spain is the eighth-largest medicines producer in Europe, accounting for 5.4% of the continent's total production. It also ranks fourth in the EU for industrial pharmaceutical employment, representing 6% of the sector's workforce.

Catalonia: A Magnet for R&D Investment

Catalonia has become a magnet for R&D investment in the pharmaceutical industry, attracting global companies such as AstraZeneca, Teladoc Health, AGC Pharma Chemicals, and Towa Pharmaceutical, all of which have established significant operations in the region.

The life sciences sector plays a vital role in the Catalan economy, making up 7.9% of the region's GDP, including healthcare services, and representing 6.5% of the workforce, which amounts to 69,927 dedicated individuals. This dynamic sector, where Catalonia has historically housed over 50% of Spain's pharmaceutical industry, includes fields like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, MedTech, and the rapidly expanding digital health sector, which saw an impressive growth of 61% in 2023 compared to 2022.

In 2022, 36% of pharmaceutical companies operating in Spain were subsidiaries of multinational corporations, reflecting the country's attractiveness to global investors. That same year, the Spanish pharmaceutical sector received €155 million in foreign direct investment (FDI), contributing to a cumulative stock of €2.3 billion since 2012.

The region's commitment to innovation and R&D strengthens Catalonia's position in the global pharmaceutical market and supports high-quality jobs and economic growth. By fostering a business-friendly environment and investing in cutting-edge research, Catalonia continues to attract leading companies and solidify its reputation as a hub for pharmaceutical excellence.

Source: International Financial Analysts (AFI)