The innovative and dynamic nature of electronics sector - including components sector, consumer and professional electronics products, telecommunications equipment, information technologies, and telecommunications service operators and providers- makes it a strategic sector for Catalonia. The region accounts for 44% of Spain's total turnover in this sector and over 50% of the sector's companies in Catalonia are funded with foreign capital. Of the sector's turnover in Catalonia, 54% is exported.

Sony España, Sharp Electronics, Tenimagen, Hitachi, Mitsubishi Electric are just some of the big names representing the sector in Catalonia.

The household electrical appliances sub-sector has a longstanding tradition in Catalonia, which accounts for 25% of Spain's activities in this area, with around 20 companies and over 4,000 employees. The Catalan consumption rate is 12.2% above the Spanish national average.

Electric material and machinery is another of Catalonia's outstanding sub-sectors. The leading foreign companies, Siemens and Pirelli, have been established in the region since the 19th century. In terms of Spain as a whole, Catalonia is the market leader and main manufacturer, particularly for small electric products.

More about electronics:

• TCT and Electronics Association(AETIC)
• Catalan Statistics Institute
• Catalan Industry Annual Report (2006)