The activity of Spanish biotechnology companies generated approximately 0.9% of GDP in 2021 and invoiced more than 12,000 million, according to the Asebio 2021 Report: Towards sustainable and resilient growth, presented by the Spanish Association of Biocompanies. The group of biotechnology companies employed 121,755 people, which represents 0.7% of the total number of employed persons. Despite the pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine, the sector continues to grow for the sixth consecutive year.
Catalonia was at the head of these figures, leading in the number of companies dedicated to biotechnology with 209 companies that represent more than 24% in all of Spain. It also exceeded 45% of the average turnover with 26.6 million, followed by Aragón and Madrid.
Biocompanies met thirteen of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations. Among them, decent work and economic growth and gender equality. Salary for biotech employees was nearly double the national average in 2021. 59% of research and development (R&D) staff were women, and a 6% increase in their presence on management teams was recognized. In addition, 60% of students enrolled in university studies in biotechnology are also women.
The biotechnology industry added a private investment of more than 183 million in 41 operations in 2021, 20% more than in the previous year, and managed to increase its scientific production by 50%. According to Asebio, this factor and the percentage of researchers in the industry encouraged Spain to consolidate itself as the eighth world power in scientific matters.
The Spanish Association of Biocompanies has published the report annually since 2003 and currently has the collaboration of 860 Spanish companies, including Bayer Bayer, Oryzon and Merck. The president of Asebio, Ana Polanco, has stated that 2022 will be a challenge for the sector due to the conflict in Ukraine and climate change. For this reason, she has invited the Ministry of Science and Innovation, Industry, Agriculture and Health to “incorporate” the biotechnology industry throughout the R&D value chain.
