The digital transformation barometer of the industry in Catalonia 2025, an initiative promoted by the digital cluster, the MAV cluster, Aetech, Acceralia, Bee2be Tech and Market AAD with the support of Action, reveals that the advanced material sector has a significant potential in technological adoption, although it still has to overcome significant challenges for full digital maturity. This sector, which represents 5% of the sample of the study, stands out for its innovative vocation and a slightly larger business structure than the Catalan industrial average.

The advanced material sector is characterized by companies with the highest economic and human capacity: 30% exceed 10 million euros in turnover, and 25% have more than 50 employees. This basis facilitates the approach of complex processes of innovation and digital transformation. However, only 15% has completely implanted a digital transformation plan, while almost half (45%) has not yet begun.

The sector has significantly increased the level of digitalization by 45% in the last three years and significantly 35%. Despite advances, the sector is still faced with important obstacles, such as high costs of implementation, difficulty in integrating systems and lack of visibility of the return of investment (ROI). In addition, only 25% of companies measure the impact of their digital projects, making it difficult to justify new investments.

The advanced material sector of Catalonia is in a unique position to lead digital transformation thanks to its innovative capacity and its strategic approach. However, in order to achieve consolidated digital maturity, investment will need to be strengthened, improve the integration of technologies and foster collaborations with the digital ecosystem, including universities, research centers and emerging companies.