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Spain

Spain's economy continues its recovery: in 2015, the GDP of Spain grew by 3.2%, significantly above the euro area average. Labour productivity has been catching-up but potential for further improvement remains constrained. Growth prospects remain repressed due to lasting effects of the crisis and other structural factors of the Spanish economy (e.g. weak business dynamics).
In terms of social inclusion, serious challenges remain. The unemployment rate of 22% of the labour force in 2015 is far larger than the OECD average. Unemployment among youth is among the highest in OECD countries: 48% in 2015.
In terms of science, technology and innovation, Spain's significant progress in increasing R&D as a share of GDP in the 1990s and 2000s was curtailed and even reversed following the economic crisis. In particular, public R&D investment decreased steadily over the period 2009-14 at an annual growth rate of 3.4%. The trend has been reversed in 2015 with an increase of 2,1%. GERD intensity (relative to GDP) remains low: about half the OECD average.
Major STI policy priorities are: reinforcing the public research system, addressing societal challenges, improving policy governance, business innovation, and human resources and skills. The current strategy and policy frameworks for STI seek to address these concerns. The main actions are defined in the Spanish Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSSTI) (2013-20) and the Spanish National Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation (2013-16), both approved by the government in February 2013.
Hot Issues
Addressing societal challenges (including inclusiveness)
STIO Questionnaire Responses
Encouraging business innovation and innovative entrepreneurship
Improving overall human resources and skills
STIO Questionnaire Responses
Improving the governance of innovation system and policy
STIO Questionnaire Responses
Strengthening the public research system
STIO Questionnaire Responses
Selected Highlights
ICT and Internet infrastructures
STIO Questionnaire Responses
Technology transfers and commercialisation
STIO Questionnaire Responses
Clusters and regional policies
STIO Questionnaire Responses
Globalisation
STIO Questionnaire Responses
Skills for innovation
STIO Questionnaire Responses
Relevant Indicators

- Gross domestic expenditure on R&D
- Business enterprise expenditure on R&D
- Higher education expenditure on R&D
- Government intramural expenditure on R&D
- Public sector expenditure on R&D, financed by industry
- Government budget outlays for R&D
- ICT investments
- Tertiary education expenditure
- Employment in S&T occupations
- Internet users
Related Country Reports

- Launching Pads for Employment and Entrepreneurship, Spain (Inclusive Business Creation: Good Practice Compendium), 2016
- Spain (Financing SMEs and Entrepreneurs 2016: An OECD Scoreboard), 2016
- Spain: Red de Cooperación de Emprendedoras (“women-entrepreneur co-operation network”) (The Missing Entrepreneurs 2015: Policies for Self-employment and Entrepreneurship), 2015
- Basque Country STI policy (OECD Reviews of Regional Innovation: Basque Country, Spain 2011), 2011
- Assessment and Recommendations (OECD Reviews of Regional Innovation: Catalonia, Spain 2010), 2010
Related STI Outlook Resources
