Located in northern Spain, Asturias combines a strong manufacturing identity with ambitious plans for industrial decarbonisation and digital transformation.
Asturias is an autonomous community in northern Spain, bounded by Cantabria to the west, Galicia to the southwest, León to the south, and the sea to the north.
Industry key players
Astur ias maintains one of Spain’s strongest industrial bases:
Industry = 20.6% of regional GVA.
Strong in metallurgy, steel, and metal products.
Historic mining & heavy industry legacy.
Agro-food has local relevance (dairy, apples).
Services dominate employment, but manufacturing remains central.
According to some sources, the industrial sector in Asturias employs around 50,000 persons, and represents approximately 13 % of the region’s employment (vs ~11% national) in some recent analyses.
Main RTOs / R&D Centres in Asturias
Asturias Digital Innovation Hub (AsDIH)
Universities & tech centres specialised in:
Advanced manufacturing
Additive manufacturing
Industrial automation
Materials & metallurgy
Digitalisation & Industry 4.0
Supported by CEEI Asturias for entrepreneurship.
€314M in R&D&I planned (2021–2027).
Priorities of the regional RIS3 strategy
Smart & Resilient Industry
Energy & Circular Economy
Agro-food Value Chain
Healthy & Active Ageing
Heritage, Biodiversity & Smar Tourism
Digitalisation / ICT as cross-cutting
GreenStep contributions
Decarbonisation & digitalisation for EIIs (energy efficiency, hydrogen, Industry 4.0).
Stronger cooperation between companies, RTOs & institutions.
Reinforces alignment with Smart Industry & Circularity priorities.
20% of regional GVA from industry Well above most Spanish regions, giving Asturias a solid base for industrial complexity and innovation.
Advanced & digital manufacturing hub Specialised centres in additive manufacturing, digital twin, and advanced materials, making the region a growing reference for Industry 4.0.
Globally competitive industrial chains Exports dominated by metals and non-ferrous metallurgy, reflecting strong international positioning.
€314M+ mobilised through RIS3 A clear institutional commitment to R&D&I, aligned with EU funding instruments.
AsDIH – Asturias Digital Innovation Hub Actively supporting digital transformation for companies, boosting competitiveness across manufacturing sectors.
Emerging front-runner sectors Increasing participation in defence, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.
