Impressive growth of the digital health sector
The digital health sector in Catalonia is experiencing a significant boom. A recent SCOGY study, in collaboration with various organizations in the field, reveals that 386 companies are actively involved in this industry, which represents an increase of 16.6% compared to the previous year.
This business ecosystem, mostly composed of small and medium enterprises, is notable for its youth, since around two thirds of these entities are less than ten years old. Together, these companies generated income for 633 million euros in 2023, which represents a growth of 6.9%, and have created more than 5,300 jobs, 10.2% more than last year.
Innovation as a fundamental pillar
A key aspect that defines this sector is its focus on innovation. Approximately 42% of companies are integrating artificial intelligence into their products, covering areas such as medical diagnosis, digital therapies and clinical decision making. In addition, significant advances in medical robotics and immersive technologies are observed.
Catalonia: Global Leader in Investment in Digital Health
In a period of five years, Catalonia has promoted to become the second region worldwide in attraction of technological investment in digital health, only behind Massachusetts, in the United States. The total investment has exceeded 1.5 billion euros, highlighting initiatives such as the Global Research and Development Center of Astrazeneca in Barcelona, which plans an investment of 1.3 billion and the creation of up to 1,500 new jobs.
This influx of capital has attracted numerous multinationals, with eight of the ten main companies in the digital health sector establishing operations in Catalonia, including giants such as Bayer, Johnson & Johnson, Fujitsu, Cisco, Siemens Healthineers and Medtronic.
Challenges on the path of progress
Despite this dynamism, the sector faces critical challenges. The report underlines the need to diversify the network of technological suppliers, improve specialized training and ensure interoperability of health systems. Likewise, the scarcity of technical talent and insufficient local investment could hinder the growth of the sector if appropriate strategies are not implemented.
Barcelona: Innovation Center with the Health Revolution Congress
This week, Barcelona becomes the scenario of the Health Revolution Congress, the largest European Congress focused on digital health. With more than 150 innovation meetings and networking sessions between startups and investors, this event highlights Catalan leadership in this area.
With a solid base of innovation and both public and private commitment, digital health in Catalonia is emerging as an essential sector for the transformation of the health system and the economy of the future.