Manufacturing industry
A new study by Advanced Manufacturing Madrid reveals that, despite cost pressures and geopolitical uncertainty, the Spanish industrial sector remains optimistic. 71% of companies see opportunities in the defense industry, although the talent shortage is identified as the main structural challenge, even more so than technology.
The Spanish manufacturing industry faces a new stage of transformation marked by the pressure of high costs, international uncertainty, and a shortage of specialized talent. According to a study by Advanced Manufacturing Madrid71% of companies see opportunities in the defense sector, although 64% positively value its current situation despite the complex structural challenges it must face to maintain its competitiveness.
The report, titled “The new industrial order: costs, geopolitics and smart transformation in España" and produced by the industry's leading event organized by EasyfairsThis paints a picture of caution and moderate optimism. Executives identify key challenges such as the difficulty in finding qualified professionals, the need to accelerate technological adoption, and adapting to an increasingly demanding economic and geopolitical environment.
The defense sector, a catalyst for uneven growth
The current global geopolitical context is reshaping the strategic priorities of the industry. 71% of manufacturing companies in España It is believed that the growth of the defense sector will generate business opportunities, either significantly or concentrated in specific segments. This perception is already translating into concrete actions: 22% of the companies surveyed already have active lines of business linked to defense or dual-use contracts, and an additional 24% are actively exploring this market.
However, the appeal of this area is not universal. Thirty percent of companies state that it does not apply to their business, while 19% rule it out as a strategic priority. This demonstrates that the impact of this growth will be uneven across the industrial landscape.
According to Óscar Barranco, CEO Easyfairs Iberia"Defense is ceasing to be perceived as an isolated sector and is becoming a catalyst for activity in numerous industrial segments. Advanced materials, automation, component manufacturing, electronics, and digital technologies are some of the areas where new business opportunities could emerge in the coming years."
Cost pressures and geopolitics are reshaping the supply chain
Inflation and rising costs remain the primary concern for the sector. Seven out of ten professionals cite this as their biggest challenge, ahead of international geopolitical tensions (42%) and energy costs (30%). To mitigate the impact on margins, the most common strategy (53%) has been to combine partial price increases with the implementation of internal efficiency measuresOnly 11% have passed on the impact significantly to their rates.
International uncertainty is also forcing a review of supply chains. 36% of companies are actively diversifying suppliers and seeking more stable or geographically close markets, although the strategies for productive relocation (restoring) remain a minority.
| Indicator | Percentage / Data |
|---|---|
| Main Concern | Inflation and costs (7 out of 10) |
| Opportunity in the Defense Sector | 71% of companies |
| Overview of the current situation | 64% rate it positively |
| Response to costs | 53% combines price increases and efficiency |
| Critique of industrial policies | 76% express a critical view |
| Key factor for future competitiveness | Availability of qualified talent |
The manufacturing industry is calling for greater support and regulatory stability.
One of the most striking messages of the study is the critical assessment of current industrial policies. More than three-quarters of the professionals surveyed expressed a negative view: 50% consider the current approach insufficient, while another 26% believe the measures are poorly aligned with the sector's real needs. The main demands focus on the boost to innovation and digitalization, greater regulatory stability, talent development and improved energy competitiveness.
This perception is reflected in the competitive self-assessment. Although 40% place Spanish industry at the European average, 34% believe it is worse positioned to face the current context. On the other hand, energy continues to be a determining factor: 72% of companies acknowledge that energy costs affect their activity moderately (44%) or very significantly (28%), which has prompted 58% to invest in efficiency, storage, and alternative solutions.
AI is advancing, but talent is the decisive factor for the future
Artificial intelligence is gaining ground in industry, especially in administrative and management areas, but its implementation in advanced production processes is still under development. 31% of companies admit to not applying it systematically. However, the major structural challenge is... lack of specialized talentThe most in-demand and hardest-to-find profiles are operators with digital skills and advanced systems maintenance technicians.
Faced with this shortage, companies are strengthening internal training and collaboration with universities and vocational training centers. In fact, 22% are already promoting retraining processes (reskilling) to adapt profiles to roles with higher technical value. The study concludes that the availability of Skilled talent is perceived as a more decisive factor (47 responses) than the adoption of advanced technology (40 responses) to guarantee future competitiveness.
“The industry is aware that technological transformation is no longer an option, but a competitive necessity. However, technology alone does not guarantee success. The real challenge lies in having the necessary talent to harness its full potential,” he concludes. Óscar Barranco.
Advanced Manufacturing Madrid 2026: meeting point of industrial innovation
About the event Advanced Manufacturing Madrid It will be held on November 4th and 5th in IFEMA MadridIn its 18th edition, recognized as an International Trade Fair by the Secretaría de Estado de ComercioIt will bring together more than 600 exhibiting companies and 13.000 professionals, consolidating itself as the largest industrial meeting in the country.
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