Spain's health technology sector leads national R&D investment

Spain’s health technology sector is leading the nation in research and development (R&D) intensity, with companies reinvesting an average of 7% of their annual turnover into innovation. According to data from the Spanish Federation of Health Technology Companies (Fenin), this represents an annual investment exceeding 344 million euros, surpassing other major industries such as pharmaceuticals.

The sector has seen a significant rise in intellectual property activity, recording 167 patents in 2025—a 94% increase compared to the previous decade. Additionally, Spain leads Europe in capturing health technology funds, securing 21.8% of the total funds available from the European Union.

Regarding the integration of artificial intelligence, Fenin supports current European Union regulatory frameworks but emphasizes the need for improved governance. Pablo Crespo, Secretary General of Fenin, noted that while AI offers major opportunities for healthcare systems, it requires specific regulatory treatment and robust security mechanisms to ensure patient data protection and safe implementation.