From left to right: Berta Fernández, Mayor of Sabiñánigo, and Marta Farrés, Mayor of Sabadell, at the “Industry and Territory” panel during the National Industry Congress.
What makes a territory an engine of economic development? How can industry not only benefit from the territory but also give back value, stability, and growth opportunities? These questions are more urgent than ever in a global context marked by energy tensions and the need for sustainable development that goes hand in hand with competitiveness.
These were some of the issues discussed this week at the National Industry Congress, organized by the Ministry led by Jordi Hereu in Barcelona. The event began with a reflection by Jordi Valls, Barcelona’s Fourth Deputy Mayor, on a future shaped by eight critical “D”s: Decarbonization, Demography, Deglobalization, Inequality, Democracy, Debt, Digitalization, and Defense. From our perspective as a meeting point between industry and energy, decarbonization and deglobalization are directly linked to the relationship between industry and territory and to a concept that is increasingly gaining attention: reshoring or industrial relocation. As Bruce Katz, an urban policy expert at Drexel University, puts it, “it is happening at a speed and scale that would have been inconceivable just three years ago.”
During the Congress, territorial leaders and industrial policy experts reflected on the value that industry brings to a territory, making it clear that the relationship between industry and territory goes beyond economics—it is a cultural, social, and strategic symbiosis. The development of industry and territory is deeply interconnected and has shaped economies, communities, and landscapes for centuries.
Territory and industry seem to be on a path toward reconciliation within this reindustrialization framework, which, according to the Minister of Industry, is “a necessity for Europe and an opportunity for Spain.” In cities like Barcelona, Hereu, who was once the city’s mayor, recalled that “industry is present on every street and in every corner. Barcelona is and wants to remain an industrial city.” It is clear that sustainable energy management will play a crucial role in this renewed relationship.
“Industry is present on every street and in every corner. Barcelona is and wants to remain an industrial city.” — Jordi Hereu, Minister of Industry and Tourism
Industry Needs a Territory, and Territories Need Industry
One of the most striking interventions on the relationship between industry and territory came from Marta Farrés, Mayor of Sabadell. She emphasized the importance of incorporating cities’ perspectives into industrial debates: “We always talk about communities or European countries, but ultimately, every industry, every productive activity, is established in a municipality, and that affects the city.”
However, Farrés also acknowledged that many cities, including Sabadell, historically made the mistake of neglecting their industrial sectors: “At a certain point, cities decided that industry was no longer interesting for them… and now we are starting to realize what a huge historical mistake that was.”
Sabadell, historically known as the “Manchester of Catalonia,” has learned from that experience and is now leading a reindustrialization process. This transformation recognizes not only the economic value of industry but also its role in attracting talent, reducing commuting, and providing quality jobs. As Farrés put it, “Any city today wants industry and values its industrial sector.”
The challenge is to ensure that cities’ perspectives are included in industrial policy discussions, as the mayor noted: “We must always integrate cities’ viewpoints when discussing industry to understand what we excel at and what needs to be strengthened.”
From our perspective, for these urban transformations to be effective and sustainable, energy management will be crucial. Cities must integrate industry within an energy model that supports both urban development and sustainability commitments.
Industry: A Driver of Competitiveness, Not Sectoral Competition
Berta Fernández, Mayor of Sabiñánigo, provided a unique perspective from a municipality with just 9,700 inhabitants. With a history shaped by the arrival of industry over a century ago, Sabiñánigo has demonstrated how an industrial approach can completely transform a territory. As the mayor highlighted, “Beyond generating economic wealth, industry provides stability to people’s lives. It allows those who settle in Sabiñánigo to have a professional future and, therefore, a life plan.”
Fernández emphasized that industry does not compete with other sectors, such as tourism, but rather acts as a catalyst that diversifies the economy and strengthens the social fabric. This multiplier effect of industrial activity, which we have discussed in previous articles, was also noted by Alejandro Rubia, President of the Spanish Business Park Coordination (CEPES): “Industry has a pulling effect within industrial zones, where, in addition to industrial companies, a vast network of services and businesses is generated, creating countless jobs in sectors like logistics, catering, and other associated services.”
Thus, the synergy between industry and territory is not just about immediate economic growth but about creating an ecosystem that fosters the development of other sectors. Sustainable energy plays a key role in ensuring the stability and resilience of this diversified economy.
Industry and Depopulation: Anchoring People to Their Territories
Depopulation is one of the biggest challenges facing large regions like Castilla-La Mancha, and it was one of the “D” factors mentioned by Jordi Valls in his opening speech. Faced with this challenge, industry emerges as a viable solution to reverse this trend.
Francisco Javier Rosell, Director General of Enterprises at the Castilla-La Mancha Regional Government, highlighted the role of industry in sparsely populated regions: “For us, industry means life; it allows people to work and live wherever they choose.”
In a region where 22.7% of GDP comes from industry, Rosell emphasized the crucial role of female employment in this sector, which contributes to social cohesion and population retention. According to Rosell, industry is essential for anchoring people to their territories, especially in rural communities, by creating quality jobs and fostering local development opportunities.
Naturally, energy management will play a central role in the sustainable development of these regions. Only through efficient and sustainable energy use will industry thrive in harmony with its surroundings.
From the Canary Islands to Sabiñánigo, via Castilla and Sabadell: The Future of Industry and Territory Depends on a Sustainable Energy Network
Deglobalization not only presents challenges but also creates opportunities for territories that know how to leverage reshoring. This phenomenon offers Europe and its regions a chance to regain competitiveness in strategic sectors.
The National Industry Congress sent a clear message: the symbiosis between industry and territory is more relevant than ever. One of the key topics debated was energy sustainability. To meet the 2050 carbon neutrality goals while maintaining Europe’s global competitiveness, panelists agreed that accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources is essential.
Decarbonization and energy autonomy are crucial factors redefining how industry integrates into territories, especially in the pursuit of greater sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness. Energy management is emerging as a fundamental pillar for addressing future challenges and ensuring that this interrelationship continues to create economic, social, and environmental value.
From the Canary Islands to Sabiñánigo, via Castilla and Sabadell, one thing is clear: a robust and sustainable energy network is essential for attracting industrial investment and ensuring the balanced development of territories.