The competitiveness of the Spanish economy is at a turning point. A recent report, entitled 'Towards a State Pact for Competitiveness', presented by the Forum of Renowned Spanish Brands (FMRE) in collaboration with the public advocacy office beBarlet, has put on the table a series of urgent measures to consolidate a more robust economic future. The document, presented in the Congress of Deputies to key figures from the PSOE and the PP, seeks to be a roadmap for a more resilient, innovative and sustainable within the European framework.
The report underlines the need for a strategic and collaborative reaction in an international context marked by large geoeconomic and geopolitical transformationsAmong the most critical areas for intervention are:
- Regulatory and administrative improvement: The goal is to reduce bureaucratic complexity and harmonize the different regulatory levels to foster a more business-friendly environment.
- Advanced push for digitalization: A model is proposed that not only develops digital infrastructure but also empowers society to make the most of it.
- Human capital development: Modernizing vocational and continuing education is crucial to closing the gap between educational offerings and labor market demands.
- Strengthening financing for innovation: The goal is to diversify business financing mechanisms, reducing dependence on bank loans and promoting alternatives such as venture capital.
- Strategic investment in intangible assets: A comprehensive support framework and a favorable tax framework are proposed to boost investment in R&D, software, design, branding and organizational capital, key elements for the competitive differentiation.
- Industrial transformation and decarbonization: A balance is sought between environmental objectives and industrial development, understanding the energy transition as a lever for competitiveness.
The study emphasizes the importance of transcending short-term discourses and adopting a country view to address competitive challenges. To this end, a pact between political, economic and social agents, based on a high level of consensus and sustained public-private collaboration.
Among the strengths from Spain, the report highlights its leadership in Renewable energy, its infrastructure, tourism and broadband connection. However, it also identifies structural weaknesses and High business fragmentation, low productivity, technological backwardness and low investment in innovation.
Regulatory complexity and administrative barriers are pointed out as critical obstaclesThe OECD has warned that Spain maintains a fragmented regulatory system that generates disproportionate administrative costs, exacerbated by a lack of coordination between environmental and industrial policies. Added to this is the shortage of specialized talent and the predominance of micro-SMEs, which limits the capacity for investment, innovation, and internationalization. Low investment in intangibles, in particular, affects the differentiation and sophistication of Spain's offering in global markets.
To address these challenges, the report presents a decalogue of priority measures:
- Regulatory and administrative simplification: Eliminate duplication and unnecessary bureaucracy with regulatory impact assessments.
- Regulatory harmonization: Coordinate regulations between administrations to avoid territorial barriers.
- Digitalization of public administration: Implement a digital one-stop shop for businesses.
- Promoting the digital transformation of SMEs: Create tiered programs with tax incentives.
- Network of Centers of Excellence in AI and Cybersecurity: Establish technical support centers and specialized advice.
- Strengthening Dual Vocational Training: Strengthen vocational training with greater business involvement and content adaptation.
- Sectoral requalification plans: Design intensive training tailored to strategic sectors.
- Attraction of international talent: Streamline visa processes and create specific programs (e.g., technology visa).
- Support for investment in innovation and intangible assets: Develop financial products and facilitate access to European funds.
- Monitoring and evaluation system: Create a dashboard with key indicators to measure and adjust progress.
Finally, the report proposes measures for the promotion of internationalization, including improved access to specific financial instruments and the public-private coordination to project a cohesive and attractive image of Spain abroad. The strategic role of the renowned Spanish brands as drivers of the business fabric towards international markets
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