Over the past 40 years, Catalonia has made remarkable strides in scientific research, increasing its output at a rate between 3 and 10 times faster than most countries. This progress has positioned the region at the forefront of global research, but as it approaches the standards of the most advanced nations, it must now focus on maximizing efficiency and strategic impact.

However, Obradors points out a structural weakness: Catalonia still has a relatively low presence in research fields linked to hard technologies, such as engineering, physics, and materials science. This mirrors the historically low weight of industry in the region’s economy, which in turn limits competitiveness in key technological sectors.

Another crucial factor is the role of the CSIC-CAT research centers, which contribute significantly to Catalonia’s scientific output, particularly in hard sciences. Despite this, their impact is often underrecognized, and their potential is not fully leveraged. Obradors argues that a better-coordinated effort among all research institutions is necessary to enhance Catalonia’s international competitiveness and its ability to tackle global challenges.

For the full article, read in Diari Ara, or download the article in PDF.