More from CataloniaMore from Business

Catalonia’s successful business and industrial history clearly defies the stereotype that Southern Europe can’t be home to economic powerhouses. As you read these pa-ges you’ll discover that our land, people and culture offer a series of distinctive values to the companies that decide to establish themselves here and do business both locally and internationally.

Historically a trading nation, today Catalonia offers a men-tality and openness to global business that makes it uni-que in Europe; our connectivity goes far beyond having a world-class airport or two of the busiest ports in the re-gion. In fact, we could say that our connectivity is above all cultural. We like doing business and enjoy exploring new markets and opportunities, and while our industrial output is one of the highest in the area, our output of talent in all fields is even higher. From science to football, we recog-nise and empower excellence, and then find the way to turn it into a business model. That’s why 1.50% of GDP here is spent on R&D, aimed at discovering and fostering leading innovation projects in Catalonia. The aim is to reach 3% in 2020.

Another example of this systematic approach to producing extraordinary results can be seen on a huge scale with the decision, in the year 2000, to transform and dedicate an entire district in Barcelona, the Catalan capital, to high tech and innovative economic sectors. Today the result is 22@, a thriving technological sector which today positions Barcelona as one of the world’s leading smart cities, and undoubtedly a major factor behind the decision to name the city Mobile World Capital.

So as you read these pages I’m confident you’ll soon see why so many companies have found in Catalonia a unique opportunity to grow and expand their businesses; a deci-sion that the entire Invest in Catalonia team is at your com-plete disposal to help you consider, analyse and, I hope, finally take.

Forward

Felip PuigMinister of Enterprise and LabourGovernment of Catalonia

Barcelona view from El Turó de la Rovira. Photo: © Núria Puentes

How Catalonia makes business work

Discover a uniqueprofessional environment that makes investments grow

Pro-business Lifestyle Technology

Industrial diversity

Catalonia hasn’t earned its privileged position in the heart of Southern Europe due to a mere question of geography. It’s done so for what it has put into the region and for what it’s done to make it work in a global context. That’s why Catalonia is considered an economic powerhouse within Southern Europe as well as one of Europe’s economies to watch in the coming years.

Traditionally, the region’s lack of natural resources has meant Catalans have always had to seek creative and innovative solutions to prosper. This necessity has formed a com-mon culture of solution-oriented team players sharing a series of values that generate a positive attitude to business.

Castellers. Photo © Thinkstock Masia & Vineyards. Photo: © Núria Vinyes

Origins Fair, Olot. Photo: © Oriol Clavera

The society has a distinct pro-business outlook. A walk around Catalan cities like Barcelona confirms this, with its streets lined with numerous small businesses and a visibly strong commercial heritage. Catalonia had one of the first industrialized economies in Southern Europe and its business-comes-first attitude was key to its solid growth in the 19th and 20th centu-ries and promises to continue to motivate economic success in the region in the 21st century.

However, having a strong work ethic in Catalonia is in no way at odds with having a healthy taste for the good life, and Ca-talans excel at combining the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle with their everyday affairs. Time must always be made for pastimes to be enjoyed with a passion: pastimes like eating out, a never-ending list of cultural and sporting events, not to men-tion just exploring Catalonia’s spectacular coastal and mountain scenery.

From a technology standpoint, Catalonia willingly embraced the 21st century by de-veloping and stimulating a solid foundation of growth based on innovation. Not only was Barcelona recently named European Capital of Innovation, but also as one of the new global generation of smart cities, it is boosting the development of urban technology and solutions to foster efficien-cy, sustainability, and social and economic progress

The Catalan economy is known for having a powerful and diverse industrial sector, capable of generating wealth and forming synergies with many others activities.Business services, commerce, energy, transport and telecommunications are all industry related activities that together with more traditional industry, represent 65% of the Catalan GDP and 56% of employment.

Talent Global

The first of these values is an appreciation of talent, which Catalans both recognize and foster. And thanks to this appreciation, this society of just over 7.5 million people has produced leading figures in all walks of life, from gastronomy to science,from music to medicine, from architecture to sport.

Then comes Catalonia’s relationship with the world. Historically a trading nation on the shores of the Mediterranean, its people have always looked global to grow, and this has given them an open nature with strong links with the outside world, not only on a practical level in terms of accessibility and infrastructures, but also as a way of simply interacting with the world in general.

Forum area Barcelona. Photo: ACCIÓ

Talent

Big on design

Constantly taking a fresh look at things is a national trait. Proof can be found in the presence of prestigious design schools in Catalonia, training some 6,000 professio-nals a year, creating an ecosystem where global fashion companies like Mango and game designers and developers like Digital Legends thrive. Thanks also to this active design culture and the close ties between business and creative commu-nities, international companies such as Volvo and Hewlett Packard have chosen to locate their top strategic design centres in Catalonia.

Catalonia has prestigious top-level univer-sities and educational centres offering over 600 different degrees. A number of the 13 public and private universities here share the aim of achieving a high level of engi-neering and technical excellence, and four of seven Spanish universities in the world’s top 100 universities established within the last 50 years are in Catalonia (UPF, UAB, URV and UPC). Barcelona boasts a wide range of high- calibre educational establishments, which includes 35 international schools in the Barcelona Area.

Barcelona is home to IESE, ESADE and EADA, considered among the world’s most prestigious business schools by leading economic publications. Around 3,000 or-ganisations from over five countries recruit through ESADE every year, and IESE’s Master programmes attract some 800 students a year, 85% from abroad. The Catalan government actively encourages academic excellence and a high level of university research-related activity and exchange programmes for researchers on a European and global level.

Barcelona, the Mobile World Capital, is a great new ecosystem in which to develop cross industry mobile services and to globalise successful solutions.

Catalans like ideas, and they like putting them into practice in many fields: business, culture, sport, cuisine, science, performing arts, engineering… More importantly, they are good at making them successful. An innovative spirit combined with a solid and collaborative work ethic is behind the success of Catalans from all walks of life. There’s Ferran Adrià, Carme Ruscalleda, and the Roca Brothers in gastronomy, from Gaudí to Enric Miralles in architecture, Antoni Tàpies, Jaume Plensa and Salvador Dalí in art, Pep Guardiola, Marc Márquez, the Gasol Brothers in sport, Valentí Fuster, Joan Massagué and Ignasi Barraquer in medicine, Pau Casals, Jordi Savall, and Josep Carreras in music, to mention just a few.

Welcome to the land of ideas

Serious about education

Marenostrum Tower Photo: © Thinkstock

AVE (high speed train) entering Lleida. Photo: © Oriol Clavera

Origins Fair, Olot. Photo:© Oriol Clavera.

Sagrada Família, interior © Thinkstock

Mobile World CongressBarcelona 2015

An Open Door to the World

Catalonia keeps you in touch with global business

Catalonia’s cultural diversity, its cosmo-politan and multilingual nature, its ability to attract talent from abroad, as well as its long trading and commercial history, all make this attractive Southern European region a welcoming and vibrant place for doing business. Its coastal Mediterranean location and its excellent connectivity make it the natural crossroads between Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Catalonia enjoys a privileged position when it comes to commerce, with close to 500 million consumers to be found in a mere 2-hour flight radius and 65% of Catalan exports going to European markets.

In fact, Catalonia’s economy is now truly global, with 57% of Catalan productive activity going to international markets, and 43% going to the Spanish market. And with just 16% of the population, it accounts for 25% of all Spanish exports – 32% of all Spanish exporting business are located here.

Global business means international trade fairs and congresses

The Port of Barcelona is a leading European vehicle traffic facility and specialises in handling high added value goods thanks to its highly qualified staff, with one of the world’s most prestigious and semi-automated container terminals.

The port has more than 100 regular lines connected to 850 ports around the world by more than 136 ship owners. It also represents a saving of three days for Asian shipments for European markets, compa-red with Northern European ports. It’s the largest provider of logistics and transport services in the Iberian Peninsula and Southern Europe and is a benchmark for short sea shipping in the Mediterranean.

A cruise ship destination

- 2.3 million people on cruise ships in 2013.

- 1st cruise-ship port on the Mediterranean and in Europe.

- 4th globally, afters Florida’s Miami, Ever- glades and Canaveral Ports. In 2013, 2.3M people on cruise ships used the port, with 764 cruise ship stopovers and seven cruise ship terminals and seve-ral quays.

Some 100 km farther south we can find the Port of Tarragona, Southern Europe’s largest port for chemical products. It has an advanced internal rail connection meanning that it connects seamlessly with both national and international railway networks, as well as to the national highway system.

Barcelona’s international airport

- 32.4% of Spanish intercontinental traffic - 35.2 million passengers in 2013 - 106 airlines flying to 132 global destinations.

At just 14 km. from the city centre,it is the third European airport in directpassenger traffic (over 17 million people), after Heathrow and Charles De Gaulle.

It won with the Skytrax Award for best airport in southern Europe for three years: 2011, 2012 and 2014.

Barcelona is the fifth largest city in Europe by origin and destination (O&D) passenger traffic behind London, Paris, Istanbul and Moscow.

In logistic terms it’s good to know that – as a globally connected hub – Barcelona is one of the few Southern European cities with full-modal transport integration within a 12-kilometre radius.

Germany 14.6%

France 12.7%

USA 10.9%

Netherlands 10.5%

Italy 9,6%

UK 6.5%

Switzerland 5.2%

Luxembourg 5.0%

Denmark 3.4%

Portugal 2.3%

Japan 2.3%

Belgium 2.2%

Austria 1.8%

Sweden 1.4%

Ireland 1.0%

Others 10.6%

There are 5,708 foreign companies in Catalonia, represented as follows:

Catalonia’s connectivity and international workforce is why Ricoh chose it to locate its Southern European Service Centre.

Barcelona Train Station, © Thinkstock Barcelona Port. Photo © Oriol LLauradó

Global

Host to the GSMA Mobile World Congress, the leading global mobile communications event attracting tens of thousands of visitors from over 200 countries, Barcelona is also the Mobile World Capital, aimed at driving and developing ground-breaking mobile initiatives that transform how people live and work.

Other major events such as Alimentaria (the International Food and Drinks Ex-hibition), the Motor Show, Construmat, the International Logistics & Material Handling Exhibition and Graphispag Digital are all proof that the city is Eu- rope’s third most popular venue for trade fairs.

Barcelona also hosts important medi-cal congresses – such as those of the European Neurology, Respiratory and Diabetes Societies – and technological events – such as EVS27, dedicated to electric cars, and Smart City ExpoBar-celona.

Nationality

MWC attracts yearly tens of thousands of visitors from over 200 countries

Tech

Turning research into reality

Locating in Catalonia means reaping the benefits of a business environment where research and innovation are a strategic priority. Both are strategically important public and private sector in Catalonia have made innovation a priority, with the Catalan government actively supporting R&D programmes. In addition, in Catalonia, the Business Enterprise Sector funds a remar-kable 56.6% of the total R&D expenditure.

The secret to this enthusiasm for tech-nology and innovation is to be found in a well-established and connected support system of institutions and installations. The main exponent of this is TECNIO, a network of several centres andtechnology-transfer agents aimed at boosting the competitiveness and interna-tionalisation of Catalan-based companies in fields such as biotechnology and health sciences, food technology, information and communication technologies, energy and environmental technologies, chemical technologies and production technologies.

Catalonia’s network of high-tech parks is connected to leading local universities and medical facilities to boost research and ensure innovative and practical transfer of knowledge. Main examples of these parks are the Barcelona Science Park (BSP) and the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), home to 1,400 researchers from all over the world and a key centre for biomedical research in Southern Europe.

In terms of purely business research, mention must be made of Applus+ IDIADA, a major state of the art testing facility and proving ground used in the automo-tive industry for design, engineering and certification procedures for both local and international clients. What’s more, favoura-ble Southern European weather conditions mean it can be used all year.

A3 Software invested in Barcelona because it knew it could find locally the qualified and expert professionals it needed to expand its operations

From smart cities to start-ups: the future is very present in Catalonia

Catalonia may be small (0.1% of the world’s population) but it is already responsible for 1% of the world’s scientific output

Automotive Production Plant. Photo: @Thinkstock

Turning research into reality

Supporting technological advances in Catalonia, there are a number of key advanced scientific facilities including the third generation ALBA Synchrotron (the first particle accelerator in Southern Europe), MareNostrum (Spain’s premium supercomputer and one of Europe’s fore-most) and the National Microelectronics Centre (Spain’s largest public centre for microelectronics).

At the other end of the scale, small but highly specialised research centres are active in Barcelona such as the ICFO(Institute of Photonic Sciences), a new technology-transfer player in the photo-nics field, or the CRG (Centre for Genomic Regulation) an international biomedical research institute of excellence.

Evidence of the high level of Catalan research can be seen in the allocation of funding received from the European Research Council grants.Representing 1.5% of Europe’s popula-tion, Catalonia has received 3% of ERC subsidies in the whole of Europe and 2.2% within the 7th Framework Programme.

Biomedical Research Park next to the Hospital del Mar Hospital del Mar

Lifestyle

Despite having a metropolitan area similar to Frankfurt, Munich or Rome, and being home to around two-thirds of the population of Catalonia (4.8 million people) Barcelona enjoys a relaxed, open-air and active lifestyle. In fact, since 1996 Barcelona has consistently held its top position as Europe’s most desirable place to live and work. Living proof of its attraction can be found in the 5 million visitors the city gets yearly.

A modern-day Barcelona icon is its Bicing smart-bike service, with 6,000 bikes and 420 pick-up and drop-off stations around the city, used by people both to get to work and to move around the city in lei-sure hours. One of Europe’s pioneer cities in this sense, the success of the initiative has served as inspiration for many other cities around the world.

MediterraneanThe advantages of a Mediterranean life- style are known to all, but Catalonia takes them to new levels and manages to mix work and pleasure wisely. It’s far more than just outdoor cafés and sandy beaches; it’s having the action-packed Pyrenees just a short drive away, food markets full of fresh produce, a rich gastronomic tradition frequently combined with modern flair, cosmopolitan urban centres like Barcelona imbued with thousands of years of history, and locals who fill their weekends with never-ending festivities and community events.

The energy Catalans put into business is only matched by their healthy taste for the good life

La Pedrera, a Gaudí building Photo © Agència Catalana de Turisme

A city of museums and galleries of all kinds, it is in itself a living showcase of famed Modernism buildings on almost every street corner. It is also a cultural hub hosting top international cultural and sporting events that attract locals, visitors and new residents alike. Music festivals such as Sonar or Primavera Sound are popular and established venues on the international music circuit, while more traditional venues like the Liceu Opera House are acclaimed for the quality of their programmes. Not to mention the fact that FC Barcelona attracts thousands of fans every year, both to attend matches and make the trip to a Mecca for footballers and fans everywhere: the team’s Camp Nou stadium.

Some 18.3 million foreigners travelled to Catalonia in 2014, setting a new high and representing a 10.1% increase on 2013 figures.

In Barcelona the North American fashion brand Fox Head found just the right mix of relaxed lifestyle and open-minded business sense to suit their corporate culture

Barcelona is more than a place to live, it’s a way of life

Barcelona

A melting pot of interests, present throughout Catalonia, adds to the region’s international atmosphere, enhanced by the fact that 2014 figures give a total of around 1.1 million foreign residents from 162 countries.

Cadaqués, Photo: © Thinkstock Palau de la Música, Photo © Agència Catalana de Turisme

Pro Business

The region has always had a pro-business attitude. 99.8% of firms are SMEs, responsible for 70.1% of employment and 60% of the GDP. This ecosystem favours entrepreneurship with a solid understanding and acceptance of the valuable role of businesses in society as a whole.

In a recent evaluation by Financial Times’ fDi Magazine, Catalonia led the ranking of Southern Europe’s cities with “the best economic prospects” in terms of business climate, potential, human resources, infrastructures, investment incentives and lifestyle quality.

Barcelona is an ideal location for installing regional headquarters

- The 6th top city in the world for FDI strategy (FDI Intelligence, 2014).

- Best city in Europe in terms of employee quality of life (C&W, 2011).

- Europe’s most innovative city. (iCapital prize 2013).

- The most attractive metropolitan area for investment in western Europe (Site Selection, 2013).

- The 6th top destination city in the world measured by number of projects. (IBM Global Location Trends, 2014).

- Office space in Barcelona is one of the most competitive in Europe.

Catalonia adds value to your business model

Swiss multinational Novartis shows its synergy with Catalan business culture through its continued investments in local production facilities

Tax rebates for R&D&i and environmental issues.

Flat rate tax systemfor non-residents.

Favourable tax system for foreign holding companies.

Incentive programmes for job creation.

Fast-track work and residence permits.

Catalonia also offers a favourable tax system for company headquarters, holding companies, and their employees.

One of Europe’s most cost-competitive locations

This evaluation recognises the Catalan labour force as one of Europe’s most productive and skilled, hence its attractiveness as a manufacturing base, for service industries and for outsourcing operations. Furthermore, Catalonia’s mix of labour, energy, transport and telecommunications costs are competitive on a European level.

But not only is there talent, specialised skills and professionalism in a wide range of sectors, incoming companies can easily complement their activity with a full spectrum of highly qualified business services on hand: engineering, relocation agencies, human resources, business associations, law firms, consultancies, transport, etc.

Girona´s Auditorium. Photo: © Joan Castro Folch

Industry

20.6%

1.3%Agriculture

Construction

7.4%

70.7%Services

Catalonia has always had a pro-business attitude.Photo: Stephan Zaehring

7 sectors are leading the transformation of the Catalan economy with a view to 2020

Transversal technology facilitators (KET)

An environment that doesn’t forget business people have families.

See how your business is our business

Business sectors

eBAY eBay has set up new offices in Barcelona, offering digital marketing and ebusiness services to other companies.

H&M H&M has established a customer service centre in Barce-lona for southern Europe. This project has meant an invest-ment of 2.35 M€ Euros and the creation of 250 jobs.

Boehringer IngelheimThe Spanish subsidiary of the German Boehringer Ingelheim pharmaceuticals group has created a worldwide Business Intelligence centre.

OracleThe US data base provider, Oracle, has established a centre of excellence in Big Data in Barcelona.

NTT CommunicationsNTT Communications, the Japanese ICT and international communications provider which forms part of the NTT Group has strengthened its presence in Catalonia with the expansion and consolidation of a customer support centre, recently set up in Barcelona.

MiwonKorean chemicals company Miwon Specialty Chemical has established a production plant for cured ultra-violet resins to serve the entire European market in Manresa, where it will also locate a R&D laboratory.

Hewlett PackardAmerican IT multinational Hewlett Packard, has installed its global 3D business centre in Sant Cugat del Vallès.This project, with a high R&D component and collaborations with technology companies, universities and technology parks in the region, represents an investment of 30m Euros and the creation of 60 new jobs.

OmronJapanese multinational Omron sets up new automated industrial facility in Catalonia aiming at the European market.

IKEAIKEA works with a local partner firm in Catalonia to manufacture textiles for the Southern European market.

SchneiderSchneider turns Sant Boi logistics centre into company flagship facility for North American textile firm.

FoxFox Head to create 46 new jobs at European HQ in Barcelona.

Booking.comBooking.com chooses Barcelona to open a new worldwide Customer Service Centre, creating 250 jobs.

Novartis Novartis injects 25 M€ into Catalan facilities.

Tech DataUS multinational Tech Data gets Barcelona operations base underway with 400 new workers.

Some interesting data

The traditional Catalan emphasis on diversification in design, R&D and engineering has led to the creation of a wide range of high added-value industries that are now solidly integrated into Catalonia’s economic and industrial foundation, especially in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, the automotive industry, food and drink, packaging and consumer electronics.

A dynamic emerging tech base in areas such as biotech, renewable energies, waste management, international business service centres and creative industries enhances this established background. This new activity has led to a corresponding need for an efficient service sector in trading, energy, transport, ICT, finance, healthcare, media, logistics and education. So much so, that the service sector together with traditional industry have come to represent two thirds of the Catalan GDP.

In fact, Catalonia can boast more industrial diversification than many other places in Europe, and this aspect is significant for incoming companies, who find an ecosystem that naturally complements their own areas of activity.

As part of the Europe 2020 project Catalonia has carried out a process of intelligent specialization (RIS3) in which 7 priority areas for Catalan industrial policy have been identified and defined along with 6 transversal technology facilitators (KET).

Food industryA sector with large business groups with local and foreign capital, a long and innovative tradition, well-known brands and national and international leadership.

Chemical, energy and resources industriesKey activities for the efficient operation of the industry characterized by skilled management of scarce resources (water, petroleum) and waste (urban and industrial).

Industrial systemsCompanies offering efficient technological and hardware solutions to clients for product manufacturing (or service provision) with specific requirements.

Design industryA fashion sector (textile manufacturing, skins, leather goods, jewellery and costume jewellery) and homes (furniture, lighting, textiles and other articles for the home), with cutting-edge companies with brand, retail and contract strategies.

Sustainable mobility industriesManufacture of land transport for people and goods with an emphasis on sustainability and connectivity: automobiles, railways, motorcycles and their components.

Health and life sciences industries Pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, fine chemistry, medical technologies, cosmetics and nutraceutics. Catalonia has a unique and internationally recognised model of hospital research with health research institutes located next to all the major university hospitals.

Cultural and experience-based industriesA first class tourist sector with a privileged geography and climate, outstanding cultural and gastronomic diversity and a broad range of offers. The Barcelona brand is associated with design, fashion, gastronomy, architecture, sport, congresses, trade fairs and international festivals, business and quality of life.

1. ICT The technology used for processing, transmitting and storing information in digital format.

2. NanotechnologyThe study, design, creation and application of materials, appliances and functional systems using control on a nanometric scale and the exploitation of the phenomena and properties which produce that state.

3. PhotonicsA multidisciplinary area of science based on light-related knowledge and applications; basically the generation, control, treatment and detection of photons in ranges of visible and non-visible spectra.

4. Advanced materialsThe application of knowledge and technology for the production of new materials and materials that offer new properties and a reduction in production costs and environmental impact.

5. BiotechnologyThe use of living organisms and their derivatives to create or modify products and processes. Based on areas of knowledge such as microbiology, biochemistry and genetics.

6. Advanced manufacturing techniques.The application of the most innovative knowledge and technology for optimization of production systems for obtaining new products, saving time and the cost of energy, water and materials in the processes, increasing precision, quality and safety and reducing environmental impact.

Catalonia’s dynamic business atmosphere, with over 5,708 foreign companies and numerous local companies, also offers a wide range of professional opportunities for families of executives and employees.

In health terms, locating in Barcelona is wise decision, given that it is a wise for its prestigious medical centres and an excellent public health system.

In the field of education, Catalonia has a wide range of programmes provided by more than 725 public and private primary and secondary schools. It is also home to 35 international schools that offer the educational programmes of their respective countries of origin.

Testimonials

The American ecommerce group eBay has opened new offices in Barcelona, out of which it will be offering digital marketing and e-commerce services to other companies.

This project represents an investment of 0.10 M€ and the creation of 94 jobs.

The project confirms the eBay Enterprise commitment with Barcelona and Catalonia. eBay will double the workforce over three years and will manage 228 more Catalan customers from the offices.

Catalonia Trade&Investment offered eBay guidance in incentives and support in staff recruitment as well as resolving different issues for them, such as difficulties concerning contracting electrical power.

NTT Communications, the Japanese ICT service and international communication company, which forms part of the NTT Group, has reinforced its presence in Catalonia with the enlargement and consolidation of its client support centre, which it only recently located in Barcelona.

With this new expansion of the centre, the groups has created a further 21 jobs.Catalonia Trade&Investment assisted NTT in searching for available office space for the new centre, as well as providing sector and competitive labour cost information.

The Swedish multinational Hennes & Mauritz (H & M) has installed its Southern European customer service centre in Barcelona. This project represents an investment of 2.35 M€ and the creation of 250 jobs.

This new Southern European contact centre reinforces Catalonia’s position as a European hub for call centres.

Catalonia Trade&Investment offered the firm assistance throughout the entire project, largely in the search for office space and in finding qualified staff with language skills.

The Korean chemical firm Miwon Specialty Chemical has established a manufacturing centre for UV-curable resins serving the entire European market from Manresa, near Barcelona and where it also has an R&D laboratory.

Miwon is in a growth sector thanks to the technology it uses – a new trend in the resin market, which is applied to adhesives and paints and reduces atmospheric pollution – and this is its first investment outside Asia.

This project represents an investment of 6 M€ and the creation of 15 new jobs.Invest in Catalonia assisted Miwon in searching for premises as well as offering guidance on incentives and on obtaining visas and work permits.

The Spanish subsidiary of the German pharmaceutical group Boehringer Ingelheim has developed a worldwide Business Centre in Catalonia.

This project represents an investment of 1.5 M€ and the creation of 100 jobs.With this development and IT support centre Boehringer has been able to reduce running costs and is consolidating its headquarters in Sant Cugat, just outside Barcelona.

Catalonia Trade&Investment assisted with a comparative study on costs and organisations as well as an analysis of competitive factors and information on the ICT sector.

The multinational American information technology company Hewlett Packard, dedicated to the manufacture and marketing of hardware and software, has installed its worldwide 3D business in Sant Cugat del Vallès, outside of Barcelona.

This project, which has a high R&D content and partnerships with surrounding technology companies, universities and technology centres, represents an investment of 30 M€ and the creation of 60 new jobs.

Catalonia Trade&Investment has supported the project in various aspects, including a tailor-made study on the different incentives applicable to the project, in coordination with ACCIO’s Business Innovation Area.

World Trade centre. Photo: Stephan Zaehring

Barcelona Cargo Port: Photo: Stephan Zaehring

Economic dataWith a population similar to Austria’s, a greater GDP than Finland and Ireland and in line with Denmark’s, Catalonia’s economic position in Europe is note worthy. Its exports exceed countries like Finland and Portugal. Its GDP per capita is 14% above the European average (EU-28), and is greater than that of Italy, and its scientific production is on par with Finland or Denmark.

The IMD World Competitiveness Centre ranks Catalonia as #38 of the most competitive economies in the world just in front of Russia, Spain, Turkey and Mexico. The report shows that Catalonia is in a solid position for future growth. Catalonia is in: - 16th position for business productivity and efficiency (and Catalonia holds 10th position for labour productivity and 12th for global productivity).

- 12th position in availability of skilled labour.

Labour Productivity in Catalonia grew 15.7% from 2008 to 2013, and productivity in Catalonia is higher than that of the EU-28.

The GDP per inhabitant in Pur-chasing Power Standards (PPS), EU28=100: 114, is greater than that of Italy.

In 2013, labour costs in Spain were more competitive than Germany, France, Italy and UK.

In 2013 average annual total wages and salaries in Catalonia was € 24,000.

Catalonia in world competitiveness

Catalonia in figures

0.9% 1.3% 1.5%of worldwide Scientific Production

of EU-27 Exports

of EU-28 Population

16%1.6%of Spanish Population

of EU-28 GDP

Area 32,106 km2

Population 7.5 million

Average temperature 16º - 17º C

Average daylight hours 12h 57 min

GDP € 209.282 billion

Agriculture 0.9%

Industry 20.2%

Construction 5.1%

Services 73.8%

Visitors (2014) 18.3 million/year

GDP per capita €27,834/year

Exports €60.19 billion

Imports €71.89 billion

Foreign Companies 5,708

Catalonia’s scientific production is nine times more than one would expect from it’s population size

20% 24% 30%of Spanish GDP

of Spanish Industry

of Spanish Foreign Trade

- 15the position in the attraction of highly qualified labour, between the Netherlands and Germany.

- Catalonia has a low risk of delocalization of products and services, guaranteeing sustainability in future economic growth. It is in 7th place in terms of low risk of delocalization of production and 9th in terms of services.

Also, according to an IMD survey of top executives, the five key factors in Catalonia are:

· Qualified labour (72% of responses).

· Open and positive outlook (70% of responses).

· Business-friendly environment (65% of responses).

· Level of higher education (60% of responses).

· Economic dynamism (58.3% of responses).

In general, international image is a prerequisite for confidence in and attractive-ness of a country and for the perception of future improvement in competitiveness. Catalonia occupies 24th place in terms of its international image for doing business, on the same level as Australia and the USA.

1.6% of EU-28 GDP1.5% EU-28 population1.3% of EU-28 exports1% of Worldwide Scientific Production

25% of Spanish foreign trade23% of Spanish industry20% of Spanish GDP16% of Spanish population

Our services

Impartial information on locating industrial buildings, land, office space and logistics centres throughout Catalonia.

Negotiations with real estate suppliers to get the best offers and conditions.

Visiting arrangements and contacts with all public and private real estate agents on the market.

Practical, detailed and up-to-date data on investing in Catalonia and how to set up operations.

Macro and specific information on indus-tries and business opportunities.

Full breakdown of the legal, tax and labor context.

Compared competitive analysis.

Managing investment projects for 30 years

Specific information on local, national, European incentives and financing options adjusted to your project.

Expert advice and tailor-made assistance during the application and negotiations process, and when presenting projects.

Negotiation of the best financial terms & conditions on your behalf.

Expert assistance expanding your busi-ness: with support for your project through all phases of growth, expansion, diversifi-cation and relocation.

Discover why Catalonia makes a perfect base for European, LATAM, Mediterranean, EMEA or World operations.

35 international offices to help you expand internationally and penetrate new markets from Catalonia.

Benefit from detailed knowledge on the Catalan industrial sector and direct con-tacts with local business partners.

We source suppliers, manufacturing part-ners, technology providers or developers, or matching companies for your specific needs.

Specific, relevant technological advice and help sourcing local technological resources to support your innovation ideas and processes via the extensive network of Catalan Technology centres.

Our advisory service will introduce you to the best technological and innovation capabilities available.

Assistance in finding available R&D and tech funding resources and collaborative programs.

To date 5,708 companies have located in Catalonia and total incoming investment is currently at a €3.9 billion/year.

Our services come with the guarantee of 30 years of experience – helping not only those companies planning first-time investment or aiming to expand their activities in Europe – but also those businesses already established in Catalonia with expansion plans or new projects. Our multidisciplinary and pro-business team works free of charge and totally confidentially to attract and maintain business investments.

Financing & Incentives

Grow, Reinvest & Expand

Find Industrial, Tech & Business Partners

Business Location

Get Advice on Innovation & Tech Transfer

Informed Investments

Track Record

Over €8.1 billion in inward investment with our assistance

Over 5,000 investmentprojects managed

844 investments projects taken on board

1985-2015

40,000 jobs created

Welcome to your one-stop shop for investment projects in Catalonia.

We individually assign each investment its own project manager

Tailor-made information and comparative data for initial decisions. Establishment of data needs and critical aspects of the project. Adoption of a clear timetable and follow up process.

Verification with specialized consultants where needed. Cost estimates of inputs, services, sites, construction, hiring, utilities… Strategic facilitators to speed up administrative procedures.

Search for partners, competitive suppliers and service companies. Specialized location, financing, and fast-track visa services. Search for innovation agents and tech transfer centres.

Support for recruiting plans and specialized training. Opening, inauguration and media coverage when needed.

Our multidisciplinary team works free of charge and totally confidentially. Photo: Stephan Zaehring

www.catalonia.cominvest@catalonia.com

Our Foreign offices:Accra / Beijing / Berlin / Bogota / Brussels / Buenos Aires / Casablanca / Copenhagen / Dubai / Hong Kong / Istanbul / JohannesburgLima / London / Mexico City / Miami / Milan / Montreal / Moscow / Mumbai / New York / Paris / Santiago de Chile / Sao Paulo / SeoulShangai / Silicon Valley / Singapore / Stuttgart / Sydney / Tel Aviv / Tokyo / Warsaw / Washington DC

Our Barcelona office: Passeig de Gràcia, 12908008 Barcelonatel. 00 34 934 767 287