Catalan health funds only invest 19% in local companies.

BarcelonaThe pandemic boosted investment in the healthcare sector, achieving unprecedented levels, but Catalan companies are struggling to attract local investors. Catalan funds disbursed €158 million in 2024, but only allocated 19% of this to Catalonia, according to a report prepared by Catalonia.Health and EY. This represents approximately €30 million. This proportion has also been declining in recent years, compared to 30% in 2023 and 51% in 2022.

This trend is also found in the companies that are part of Catalonia.Health, both local and foreign. Companies are seeking to diversify their R&D investments. Catalonia remains the main destination, with 57% of the disbursement made during 2024, but the rest of the European markets are gaining ground. Compared to previous years, Catalonia accounted for 64% of the budget in 2022 and 76% in 2017.

The reasons they have for investing in companies outside of Catalonia are mainly its greater scientific and technological development and the presence of competitive facilities, as well as the existence of more qualified professional teams. However, more investment-friendly regulatory environments also play a role.

For all these reasons, Catalonia.Health advocates creating the conditions to turn the region into a cutting-edge testing ground, taking advantage of all the clinical trials being conducted and existing infrastructure, many of which are undergoing expansion processes, such as the Barcelona Science Park (PCB) and the future factory. In this sense, the association chaired by Mariona Serra has its sights set on the Center for Advanced and Emerging Therapies, promoted by the Catalan government, as a new element to promote Catalan leadership in the health sector. He also calls for more flexible laws, investment incentives with tax breaks, and public-private partnerships.