The BAsque Cpuntry Technology Park is already home to 673 companies, with a turnover of 8,243 million euros in 2024, 11.5% more than in 2023

More than 23,600 people, most of them highly qualified, work in one of the companies located in the six campuses of the Basque Country Technology Park
The ICT and Biosciences sectors stand out in terms of the number of companies established, while Aeronautics continues to lead the sectoral turnover index, with 2,479 million
Overall, the data on equality in the workforce continues to improve and the number of companies with more than 50 employees that have an Equality Plan continues to increase

In 2024, the Basque Country Technology Park maintained the line of growth of recent years and reached the figure of 673 companies established in one of its six current campuses (Zamudio/Derio, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Donostia, Leioa, Hernani and Abanto). The strength of the scientific-technological ecosystem is also evidenced by the combined turnover of these companies (8,243 million euros, an increase of 860 million compared to 2023), and by the increase in the workforce, of which 23,674 people now form part.

These data are included in the Annual Activity Report of the Euskadi Technology Park, which brings together the main data provided by the companies after the close of the corresponding financial year. The analysis of this information is essential to know the state of the ecosystem and to launch initiatives that accompany the activity of the companies and contribute to creating a socio-economic environment adapted to their needs in key aspects such as digitalisation, sustainability, energy efficiency or mobility.

The figures provided by the Parke companies show, overall, a general increase in all the main areas of activity. Turnover rose by 11.5% compared to the end of 2023 (8,243 million compared to 7,381 million) and 642 professionals were added to the workforce, reaching a record 23,674 employees, most of them in highly skilled jobs. R&D expenditure also increased significantly, from 660 million in 2023 to 754 million in 2024, an increase of 14.2%. There was also growth in the number of companies with foreign capital, which now stands at 69.

In the personnel section, beyond the total number of people employed, the report offers a more detailed vision of the situation in terms of qualifications, gender and dedication to R&D. Thus, the commitment to bringing people closer to the VET environment, with initiatives such as FP Parke, which this year has once again mobilised more than 1,000 Baccalaureate students around the Parke companies, continues to be reflected in the workforce, as in 2024 there were already 6,092 professionals employed with VET qualifications.

University degrees, however, continue to form the main core of professional profiles in Parke companies, with 12,792 people with university degrees. In addition to this figure, there are 2,162 professionals with doctorates and a further 2,627 people with different academic profiles. On the other hand, the number of personnel specifically dedicated to R&D activities now stands at 7,369 people, of which 4,276 are men and 3,093 are women. In this context, the progress in equality policies is also noteworthy. Likewise, the number of companies with more than 50 employees that have implemented Equality Plans grew by 13% in 2024, reaching 170 companies.

A particularly relevant indicator in terms of leadership is that 146 companies, representing almost 22% of the total, are headed by women in general management or CEO positions. This figure is double the average for the Basque Country, which stands at around 11%, and demonstrates the commitment of the companies in the Park to more diverse and inclusive management models.

Finally, in the area of talent, the process of rejuvenation of the workforce continues: currently, 4,489 employees are under 30 years of age.

Data by sector

By sector of activity, the Biosciences sector is the largest in terms of companies, with 129 companies, followed by the ICT sector (127). Both sectors account for nearly 40% of the total number of companies, but the data differ in terms of the number of people employed. By workforce, the ICT sector leads with 20.44% of employment (4,840 professionals), but is followed by the R&D sector with 18.9% (4,476 professionals). Biosciences accounts for 3,041 people employed (12.85%).

In terms of turnover, 2024 has seen the biggest change in the figures collected by sector. Last year, the Aeronautics sector stood out notably in this section, with a turnover of 2,470 million, which represents 30% of the total turnover of Parke companies. This was followed by the ICT sector with 1,980 million and the R&D sector with 1,269 million.

Finally, among other activity data, it shows that the companies of the Basque Country Technology Park applied for 148 national patents in 2024, of which exactly half were granted: 74. In addition, 30 companies are partners or have signed the 2030 Agenda – the most ambitious action plan in favour of people, the planet and prosperity until 2030 -, committing themselves to contribute to sustainable development in their activity.