European industry: competitive advantage or loss of leadership?
New research from Easyfairs, the organiser of Advanced Manufacturing Madrid and Barcelona, reveals the sector’s growing concern about Europe’s lagging behind in digitisation and industrial innovation.
Only 10.6% believe that Europe leads in competitiveness compared to other powers, while 63.7% believe it is lagging behind in key technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Bureaucracy, labour costs and lack of government support are among the main obstacles to industrial competitiveness.
New US tariffs also create uncertainty: 44.7% fear that they will affect their business, albeit to a limited extent.
Only 10.6% believe that Europe leads in competitiveness compared to other powers, while 63.7% believe it is lagging behind in key technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Bureaucracy, labour costs and lack of government support are among the main obstacles to industrial competitiveness.
New US tariffs also create uncertainty: 44.7% fear that they will affect their business, albeit to a limited extent.
Madrid, June 19, 2025. European industry is losing ground compared to its global competitors. This is reflected in the report “European Industry: Competitive Advantage or Loss of Leadership? Study on the Perception of Professionals in Spain on the Future of the Sector – 2025.” Prepared by Easyfairs, organizer of the Advanced Manufacturing trade fairs in Madrid and Barcelona, the study draws a clear conclusion: 63.7% of industry professionals believe that Europe is behind the US and China in digitalization and technological adoption. Only 2.2% believe the continent is advancing at the pace necessary to maintain its competitiveness, while 30.1% state that, although progress is being made, significant barriers still exist.
Furthermore, the report’s data reveal a worrying perception: only 10.6% of respondents believe that Europe leads in industrial competitiveness. In contrast, 47.4% clearly place it behind. Product quality and safety (64.6%), working conditions (63.3%), and environmental regulations (57.1%) remain the key distinguishing features of European industry. However, excessive bureaucracy (78.8%), high labor costs (56.2%), and dependence on external suppliers (52.7%) hinder its competitiveness.
An uncertain future for European industry
42.5% of industry professionals believe that Europe’s competitiveness will continue to deteriorate in the coming years. Given this, the key levers that could reverse this trend would be strengthening the European supply chain (56.6%), digitalization and automation of processes (55.8%), and greater cooperation between EU countries (45.1%).
Despite these challenges, 50% of the industry believes that Europe is “relatively prepared” to compete globally in the next decade, although 37.2% view this with skepticism. Furthermore, 75.2% believe that European governments are not taking effective measures to support the industrial sector.
“The study confirms what many companies in the sector already perceived: Europe maintains great strengths in quality, sustainability, and labor rights, but needs to accelerate its digitalization and industrial autonomy if it wants to remain competitive against other powers. The industry is calling for concrete measures, less bureaucracy, and more institutional support to avoid being left behind,” says Oscar Barranco, general manager of Easyfairs Iberia.
US Tariffs: Moderate Impact, but Growing Concern
The study also reflects the sector’s perception of the new wave of US tariffs. 44.7% believe these will have an impact on their company, albeit limited. To address this, the main strategies would be to seek new suppliers (40.3%), adjust prices (29.6%), or redirect exports (23%). However, 31.4% admit they do not yet have a defined strategy.
According to those surveyed, the sectors that will be most impacted are, first and foremost, the manufacturing industry (67.3%), followed by the agri-food sector (62.4%), energy and fuels (35.8%), and transportation and logistics (26.5%). This perception underscores the vulnerability of key areas of the national economy to protectionist measures that strain international trade and reinforce the need for strategies of autonomy and market diversification.
Asked about the best institutional response, 46.5% of respondents support incentivizing local production as a way to counter US protectionism. Only 23.9% consider the imposition of reciprocal tariffs appropriate.
Reindustrialization or empty rhetoric?
The reindustrialization of Europe is perceived as a great opportunity, but not without obstacles. 48.7% believe it is a realistic, albeit difficult, goal. 26.5% consider it necessary and urgent, while 21.7% see it as a political promise without concrete measures.
To strengthen Europe’s global competitiveness, strategic priorities must include investment in R&D (53.1%), industrial autonomy (50.4%), and greater regulatory flexibility (45.1%).
“Through Advanced Manufacturing Madrid and Barcelona, we want to offer a space where industry activates, connects, and finds real solutions to these challenges. Industrial transformation will only be possible if we unite innovation, talent, and collaboration among all stakeholders in the ecosystem. This year, more than ever, these professional events will be the driving force behind this change,” concludes Oscar Barranco.
AMM Madrid and Barcelona: the major industrial innovation gatherings
Easyfairs consolidates its annual double event for industrial innovation in Spain in 2025. Advanced Manufacturing Barcelona will hold its second edition on October 1 and 2 in Hall 1 of Fira de Barcelona – Gran Vía Venue, in parallel with the new Worksafe trade fair, dedicated to industrial and occupational safety. With more than 250 exhibitors and 5,000 professional visitors expected, the event expands its offering with new thematic areas—Metal Working, Automation & Digitalization, Additive Manufacturing, and Surface Treatment—as well as a comprehensive program of content led by the Tech Congress 4.0, which will address key challenges such as AI, sustainability, and industrial automation.
For its part, Advanced Manufacturing Madrid will reopen its doors on November 5 and 6 at IFEMA, established as the leading meeting point for Industry 4.0 in Spain. After breaking attendance records in 2024 with more than 13,000 visitors, the fair will bring together the most innovative companies in the sector across its various areas: Metal & Machine Tools, Automation & Digitalization, Composites Engineering, Surface Treatment, Additive Manufacturing, and Quality Control.
Both events reinforce Easyfairs’ role as a driving force in the Spanish industrial ecosystem, offering a unique space for networking, knowledge, and business activation throughout the entire value chain.
Advanced Manufacturing Barcelona Registration Link
About Easyfairs
Easyfairs organizes events as meeting points for communities eager to experience the future.
We currently organize 110 in-person events in 12 countries (Algeria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom) and manage eight exhibition venues in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Sweden (Antwerp, Ghent, Mechelen-Brussels North, Namur, Gorinchem, Hardenberg, Malmö, and Stockholm).
We are passionate about making our clients’ lives easier and increasing their return on investment and time through our all-in solutions, advanced technology, and customer-centric strategy. Our digital offering also provides these communities with excellent opportunities to effectively network and conduct business year-round.
The Easyfairs Group employs 820 highly engaged talents, implements best-in-class marketing and technology tools, and develops brands with strong stakeholder appeal.
For the sixth consecutive year, in 2024, Deloitte again awarded Easyfairs the status of “Best Managed Company.”
We are proud to be ranked among the top 20 trade fair organizers in the world, according to the annual ranking conducted by STAX Consulting.
Visit the future with Easyfairs and find out more at www.easyfairsgroup.com.
For more information, please contact:
evercom, Easyfairs’ communications agency
Javier Martínez
javier.martinez@evercom.es
Selena Badenas
selena.badenas@evercom.es
Tel. +34 915 77 92 72
Furthermore, the report’s data reveal a worrying perception: only 10.6% of respondents believe that Europe leads in industrial competitiveness. In contrast, 47.4% clearly place it behind. Product quality and safety (64.6%), working conditions (63.3%), and environmental regulations (57.1%) remain the key distinguishing features of European industry. However, excessive bureaucracy (78.8%), high labor costs (56.2%), and dependence on external suppliers (52.7%) hinder its competitiveness.
An uncertain future for European industry
42.5% of industry professionals believe that Europe’s competitiveness will continue to deteriorate in the coming years. Given this, the key levers that could reverse this trend would be strengthening the European supply chain (56.6%), digitalization and automation of processes (55.8%), and greater cooperation between EU countries (45.1%).
Despite these challenges, 50% of the industry believes that Europe is “relatively prepared” to compete globally in the next decade, although 37.2% view this with skepticism. Furthermore, 75.2% believe that European governments are not taking effective measures to support the industrial sector.
“The study confirms what many companies in the sector already perceived: Europe maintains great strengths in quality, sustainability, and labor rights, but needs to accelerate its digitalization and industrial autonomy if it wants to remain competitive against other powers. The industry is calling for concrete measures, less bureaucracy, and more institutional support to avoid being left behind,” says Oscar Barranco, general manager of Easyfairs Iberia.
US Tariffs: Moderate Impact, but Growing Concern
The study also reflects the sector’s perception of the new wave of US tariffs. 44.7% believe these will have an impact on their company, albeit limited. To address this, the main strategies would be to seek new suppliers (40.3%), adjust prices (29.6%), or redirect exports (23%). However, 31.4% admit they do not yet have a defined strategy.
According to those surveyed, the sectors that will be most impacted are, first and foremost, the manufacturing industry (67.3%), followed by the agri-food sector (62.4%), energy and fuels (35.8%), and transportation and logistics (26.5%). This perception underscores the vulnerability of key areas of the national economy to protectionist measures that strain international trade and reinforce the need for strategies of autonomy and market diversification.
Asked about the best institutional response, 46.5% of respondents support incentivizing local production as a way to counter US protectionism. Only 23.9% consider the imposition of reciprocal tariffs appropriate.
Reindustrialization or empty rhetoric?
The reindustrialization of Europe is perceived as a great opportunity, but not without obstacles. 48.7% believe it is a realistic, albeit difficult, goal. 26.5% consider it necessary and urgent, while 21.7% see it as a political promise without concrete measures.
To strengthen Europe’s global competitiveness, strategic priorities must include investment in R&D (53.1%), industrial autonomy (50.4%), and greater regulatory flexibility (45.1%).
“Through Advanced Manufacturing Madrid and Barcelona, we want to offer a space where industry activates, connects, and finds real solutions to these challenges. Industrial transformation will only be possible if we unite innovation, talent, and collaboration among all stakeholders in the ecosystem. This year, more than ever, these professional events will be the driving force behind this change,” concludes Oscar Barranco.
AMM Madrid and Barcelona: the major industrial innovation gatherings
Easyfairs consolidates its annual double event for industrial innovation in Spain in 2025. Advanced Manufacturing Barcelona will hold its second edition on October 1 and 2 in Hall 1 of Fira de Barcelona – Gran Vía Venue, in parallel with the new Worksafe trade fair, dedicated to industrial and occupational safety. With more than 250 exhibitors and 5,000 professional visitors expected, the event expands its offering with new thematic areas—Metal Working, Automation & Digitalization, Additive Manufacturing, and Surface Treatment—as well as a comprehensive program of content led by the Tech Congress 4.0, which will address key challenges such as AI, sustainability, and industrial automation.
For its part, Advanced Manufacturing Madrid will reopen its doors on November 5 and 6 at IFEMA, established as the leading meeting point for Industry 4.0 in Spain. After breaking attendance records in 2024 with more than 13,000 visitors, the fair will bring together the most innovative companies in the sector across its various areas: Metal & Machine Tools, Automation & Digitalization, Composites Engineering, Surface Treatment, Additive Manufacturing, and Quality Control.
Both events reinforce Easyfairs’ role as a driving force in the Spanish industrial ecosystem, offering a unique space for networking, knowledge, and business activation throughout the entire value chain.
Advanced Manufacturing Barcelona Registration Link
About Easyfairs
Easyfairs organizes events as meeting points for communities eager to experience the future.
We currently organize 110 in-person events in 12 countries (Algeria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom) and manage eight exhibition venues in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Sweden (Antwerp, Ghent, Mechelen-Brussels North, Namur, Gorinchem, Hardenberg, Malmö, and Stockholm).
We are passionate about making our clients’ lives easier and increasing their return on investment and time through our all-in solutions, advanced technology, and customer-centric strategy. Our digital offering also provides these communities with excellent opportunities to effectively network and conduct business year-round.
The Easyfairs Group employs 820 highly engaged talents, implements best-in-class marketing and technology tools, and develops brands with strong stakeholder appeal.
For the sixth consecutive year, in 2024, Deloitte again awarded Easyfairs the status of “Best Managed Company.”
We are proud to be ranked among the top 20 trade fair organizers in the world, according to the annual ranking conducted by STAX Consulting.
Visit the future with Easyfairs and find out more at www.easyfairsgroup.com.
For more information, please contact:
evercom, Easyfairs’ communications agency
Javier Martínez
javier.martinez@evercom.es
Selena Badenas
selena.badenas@evercom.es
Tel. +34 915 77 92 72
