A recent report prepared by KPMG all with TECHNIBERIAThe association that brings together Spanish engineering, consulting and technology services companies highlights the crucial need for the sector to consolidate a powerful «Country Brand» to strengthen its position worldwide.
The report reveals that the engineering sector in Spain represents 0,7% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) national and employs more than 400.000 engineers, of whom a significant 92% have permanent contracts, which underlines the stability and capacity to attract talent in the sector. In 2023, the total turnover of companies in the sector reached 10.750 billion euros, experiencing growth of 8,5% compared to the previous year. A notable fact is that 70% of this turnover came from international activity, demonstrating the high competitiveness and potential of global expansion of Spanish engineering.
To further boost this sustainable growth, the KPMG report highlights the need for coordinated action by both public administrations and private companies. In the public sector, it recommends facilitating international strategic alliances and optimize national processes bidding. For their part, private companies are encouraged to take on challenges, commit to sustainability, invest in Research and Development (R&D), and develop effective talent retention policies.
A key point of the report is the recommendation to the sector as a whole to define a common roadmap that strengthens its global position. This strategy should focus on digitalization, exploring new markets, promoting sustainable business models, and consolidating a "national brand" that positions Spanish engineering firms as leaders in innovative, safe solutions adapted to the challenges of the 21st century.
During the presentation of the report, which had the collaboration of ICEX Spain Export and Investments, the fundamental role of TECNIBERIA in the positioning and internationalization of the sector was highlighted.
TECNIBERIA's member companies collectively had a turnover of 7.000 billion euros in 2023, 13% more than the previous year, with a strong international presence, especially in Latin America (85%) and Europe (63%).
KPMG's analysis also identified weaknesses and threats that could hinder the sector's long-term growth, such as the undercapitalization of talent, limited vocation among young people, the lack of a coordinated support strategy from the administration, and the need to strengthen digitalization. Structural barriers such as business fragmentation and reduced project profitability were also highlighted, as well as external threats such as bidding models based solely on price and increasing competition from Asian markets.
However, the report highlights the sector's numerous strengths, including its technical excellence, adaptability, extensive geographic presence, and solid international reputation. It also identifies strategic opportunities such as driving innovation, expanding into new markets, and strengthening public-private partnerships.
As a result of this analysis, the report proposes a set of strategic actions in four areas: correcting weaknesses, addressing threats, maintaining strengths, and exploring opportunities. These actions are articulated around three essential pillars: the facilitating role of Public Administrations, the proactivity of private companies and the coordination of efforts at the sector level to define a shared vision: "To be a global benchmark in the creation of innovative and sustainable solutions that respond to the global challenges of the 21st century."
In short, KPMG's report for TECNIBERIA sends a clear message: the consolidation of a «Country Brand"And the implementation of joint strategic actions are fundamental for Spanish engineering to continue being a key driver of the economy and a benchmark of excellence at a global level."
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