Robots raise productivity in Spanish manufacturing SMEs but do not increase exports

A recent study by researchers from the UOC Faculty of Economics and Business has revealed that Spanish small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector that adopt robotic automation are more productive. The effect is strongest in firms with smaller workforces and those that are less innovative, suggesting that even modest investments in robotics can boost output for a significant portion of the Spanish manufacturing community.

However, the study found that automation alone does not translate into higher export volumes. Instead, a company’s presence in international markets is closely linked to the existence of localization economies within its region. This is the first analysis to examine how technology adoption impacts SMEs with 10 to 200 employees—a segment that represents a large share of Spain’s business landscape.

The findings underscore that while robotics can enhance internal productivity, broader export success depends on regional industrial ecosystems. Policymakers and industry leaders may need to focus on strengthening localization networks to fully leverage the benefits of automation for Spanish SMEs.