Exhibitions in Barcelona, Spain for Electric & Electronics

Barcelona has made significant strides in the high-tech industry and has built a reputation for its electronics industry, particularly in the El Vallès region. The El Vallès High-Tech Cluster is a hub that encapsulates the diverse and dynamic nature of Barcelona’s technological landscape. This cluster is not only pivotal in micro-electronics but also spans across industries such as space vehicle production, medical instruments, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. High-tech industries are characterized by their sophisticated products and a strong reliance on research and development (R&D). These industries are in a constant state of evolution, continually developing new products and technologies. Typically, high-tech firms allocate at least 1% of their turnover to R&D, with over 5% of their workforce dedicated to this critical area. This investment in innovation is evident in the El Vallès High-Tech Cluster, which has now become a favorable destination for cutting-edge enterprises. The clustering of high-tech activities in El Vallès is not arbitrary. Unlike traditional industries that depend on proximity to raw materials, energy supplies, and transportation routes, high-tech industries in El Vallès are driven by the need for a specialized workforce and advanced infrastructure. This clustering effect suggests that high-tech industries, while somewhat footloose, still rely on specific locational advantages. High-tech establishments in El Vallès can be broadly categorized into two groups. The first group includes headquarters, administrative, and R&D functions, while the second group comprises branch plants focused on assembly and routine production. Each group has distinct labor requirements and locational preferences within the El Vallès area. Large assembly plants like those of Sony and Sharp are strategically located on greenfield sites adjacent to motorways, facilitating easy access. These plants represent stage 3 of the Product Life Cycle Model theory and are likely to remain in Barcelona until more cost-effective locations within the EU become viable.

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