Finanzauto and GAD3 Analyse Spain’s Industrial Sector
18 November 2025
THE SILENT ENGINE OF OUR ECONOMY
At Finanzauto, we firmly believe in the strategic role of Spain's industrial sector as a driving force for growth, innovation and stability. To gain a deeper understanding of its current situation and how it is perceived by society, we commissioned the "The Industrial Sector in Spain" study in collaboration with consultancy firm GAD3.
This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of the industrial sector, offering context, assessing public awareness of the sector and evaluating its impact on the country's economic development.
Key findings from the Study:
Spanish Industry: An Essential but Under-the-Radar Economic Pillar
The study reveals that Spanish industry accounts for 16% of GDP, represents 45% of private investment in R&D and generates nearly three million direct jobs, with salaries 18% higher than the national average.
In addition, 70% of Spanish exports originate from the industrial sector, reinforcing its key role in the country's trade balance and competitiveness. From the automotive and chemical industries to the agri-food sector, industry drives innovation and sustainability across the productive sector.
Stable Employement, Innovation and Technological Transformation
The study highlights that nine out of ten industrial jobs are permanent, and that more than half of workers have technical or university-level qualifications. This level of expertise makes the sector a benchmark for stable, specialised and well-paid empolyement.
Industry also accounts for almost half of private investment in innovation, with one third dedicated to sustainability and energy transition projects, placing the sector at the heart of Spain's technological and climate transformation.
The Challenge of Generational Renewal in Industry
One of the major challenges identified in the report is generational renewal. Currently, only 12% of students choose industrial vocational training, which could leave more than 100,000 positions unfilled.
This situation is compounded by the need to break stereotypes: many young people still associate industry with tough or male-dominated environments, far removed from the reality of a sector that is increasingly digitalised, automated and sustainable.
Public Perception of Spain's Industrial Sector
Although most citizens recognise the importance of industry, four of ten Spaniards say the are not informed about policies supporting the sector.
Almost half of respondents preceive that the industrial sector has modernised over the past decade, paticularly among younger people and those with higher education. However, there is still a visibility gap that limits public recognition of the sector.
The Gap with Europe and the Need for Reindustrialisation
The comparative analysis with Europe shows that public spending on industry in Spain (0.4% of GDP) is half that of countries such as Germany (0.8%). In addition, the share of industry in Spain's economy (16%) remains below the European average (20.5%).
These figutes highlight significant room for improvement and the need for a more ambitious industrial policy to strengthen the country's strategic autonomy and competitiveness.
It is no coincidence that eight out of ten Spaniards are calling for reindustrialisation: an opportunity to strengthen innovation, sustainability and quality employement in Spain.
At Finanzauto, Committed to the Future of Spanish Industry
At Finanzauto we have been supporting Spanish industry for more than 90 years, helping it navigate its challenges, embrace innovation and drive transformation. By conducting this study in collaboration with GAD3, we reaffirm our commitment to the industrial sector, which we consider essential to the country's economic technological and social development.
We will cointinue working to raise awareness of the key role played by industry and, together with companies, institutions and professionals, help build a more industrial, more innovative and more sustainable Spain.