Spain’s biotech: growth, impact and global role

Spain’s life sciences sector has experienced steady growth, positioning itself as a strategic driver of innovation and economic development. Backed by a strong scientific base, highly qualified talent, and a growing network of research centers and tech companies, it has become a key player in health, food, sustainability, and digitalisation. Within this ecosystem, biotechnology plays a central role as a transformative force in addressing global challenges.

The Spanish biotech sector stands out for its dynamism, knowledge generation, and impact on the productive fabric. From startups to established firms, biotech companies are leading innovation, R&D investment, and technology transfer. According to the AseBio Report 2024, the sector invested €1.282bn in R&D in 2023 – 68% from private funds – ranking fourth among Spain’s most R&D-intensive industrial sectors.

In 2024, biotech companies raised €181m through 53 funding operations. The sector remains the most research-intensive within Spanish industry, with 15.99% of its workforce in R&D roles – second only to dedicated R&D services. Overall, Spain hosts 4,411 companies engaged in biotech activities, over 1,000 of which are classified as biotech firms. Catalonia leads both in company numbers and average turnover.

Biotech impact and leadership
Human health is the main area of activity (57%), followed by food (27%), agriculture and forestry (16%), animal health and aquaculture (15%), environment (12%), and industry (10%). Spain also excels scientifically, ranking ninth worldwide in biotech scientific output, contributing 2.49% of global publications in 2023. Moreover, Spanish biotech research is cited 20% above the global average, underscoring the ­relevance and impact of the country’s scientific contributions.

The sector’s economic footprint is equally notable. Biotech activity generated €13.094bn in income (1.1% of GDP) and €5.229bn in tax revenue (0.4%). It also provides 131,214 jobs (0.67% of national employment), reinforcing its role as a generator of stable, high-quality jobs.

Additionally, the sector leads in gender equality. Since 2010, women have consistently made up over 50% of biotech workforces. Women represent 60% of biotech R&D staff and hold 29% of executive positions – an encouraging step toward more inclusive leadership.

This vibrant and strategic industry will be at the centre of discussion at BIOSPAIN 2025, one of Europe’s leading biotech events, taking place in Barcelona from October 7-9, with participation from national and international experts

This article from Ion Arocena, CEO of AseBio, Spain, was originally published in European Biotechnology Magazine Summer 2025.