Bilbao, World Class Ecosystem
The Basque Country’s financial capital, Bilbao has a thriving business ecosystem with a solid industrial base. This has led to it becoming an economic center, driving innovation and technological development in the region.
Highly innovative region
Regional Innovation Scoreboard
Direct foreign investment
€ 2,616
billion
INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
Ranked by the EU as the leading innovation hub in Southern Europe, the Basque Country is Spain’s top region for innovation. This success is largely down to the Basque Science, Technology and Innovation Network.
R&D spending over GDP
+0,63 % higher than Spanish average
Competitiveness ratio
The region’s capability to offer an attractive environment.
R&D spending over GDP
+0,63 % higher than Spanish average
Competitiveness ratio
The region’s capability to offer an attractive environment.
WORLD-LEADING BASQUE BUSINESSES
The Basque Country has cutting-edge high-tech business sectors in key areas. Thriving business sectors include startups and established businesses in ICT, Creative and Cultural Industries and Advanced Services. These provide a host of high-technology jobs as well as boosting innovation and development in the area.
PRESENCE OF INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES
The third most popular region in Spain for foreign investment, more than 700 global businesses now have operations in the Basque Country. And the region’s unique characteristics and tax system continue to attract more. Bringing in smart investors from all over the world.
Foreign investment in the Basque Country
+70 % up from 2016
Best medium-sized city to invest in
Financial Times Group
Attractive city for foreign investment
Financial Times Group
Foreign investment in the Basque Country
+70 % up from 2016
Best medium-sized city to invest in
Financial Times Group
Attractive city for foreign investment
Financial Times Group
KNOWLEDGE INFRASTRUCTURE – Technology Parks
World-class advice and expertise can be accessed through the regional network of Technology Parks. Bringing science and technology experts together with business knowledge, these have led to a host of exciting business startups and projects – many of which help Basque enterprises to reach global markets.
Bizkaia Science and Technology Park
– 2,935,500 m2 total estate
Leioa Technology Park
– 184,000 m2
Ezkerraldea-Mehatzaldea
– 505,631 m2
Zorrotzaurre Urban
Technology Parks
– 150,690 m2
SPACES FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Bilbao supports and encourages entrepreneurship. So there are plenty of opportunities to network and meet with fellow entrepreneurs at a range of events.
CONFERENCES, EVENTS AND LEARNING SPACES
The city is now world-renowned for commercial and business tourism, thanks to work by the Bilbao Convention Bureau. Hosting the Rugby Finals 2018, Red Bull cliff diving and UEFA Euro 2020, diverse international conferences and events are held in Bilbao’s multi-purpose events spaces. These are also available for businesses hosting professional workshops, events or meetings.
