Comparison of Industry 4.0 between Spain and the rest of the countries

Since what we know as the fourth industrial revolution began, Industry 4.0 has become a target for all countries with manufacturing plants. However, the policies applied in each of them are different in relation to how implementation, design and financing are carried out.
Many governments in different countries are carrying out plans and initiatives to promote the digitization and modernization of factories.
In this post you can previously read what technologies are considered Industry 4.0.

Industry 4.0 in the World

Industry 4.0 is a market that moves a lot of millions in the world. Specifically, it is estimated that in 2019 systems worth more than 71.7 billion euros were installed worldwide and in 2024, this value will be 156.6 billion euros, representing an annual growth rate of this 16% market.The multiple benefits offered by Industry 4.0 have made companies implement Industry 4.0 systems and improve their productivity, quality and efficiency.
The cost of technology has decreased in recent years and its accessibility has allowed more and more companies to join the change. The following graph shows the growth in the different regions:Only 17% of business leaders, affirm that investing in Industry 4.0 technologies is a priority of their organizations, compared to 12 other investment priorities. Furthermore, only 5% have made progress in implementing them in an integrated way in their companies.
It is also true that depending on the sector in which it operates, the degree of implementation of Industry 4.0 is greater or less. Specifically, it is expected that in 5 years the degree of digitization will increase around a 40%.Finally, we show you the expected cost reductions in different sectors due to the incorporation of Industry 4.0 systems to companies:In the rest of the world there are also great differences regarding the digitization and implantation of Industry 4.0 in companies between countries. In Latin America, for example, there is a large gap regarding the adoption of new technologies in companies. United States, on the other hand, it is in the lead when we talk about digitization. Of course, Japan is another of the most advanced countries in terms of the implementation of Industry 4.0 in the world.

Industry 4.0 in Spain. Comparison with other countries

In Spain, impulse policies related to this type of technology are also being carried out in production processes. It is true that there are great differences between countries and, above all, between continents in this area.
The process of introducing digitization and new technologies in Spanish companies is progressing progressively, although somewhat slowly.
In the following graph we can compare the degree of digitization in Spain with other countries. In this case, the degree of digitization was studied taking into account the following factors: the digitization of the work environment, knowledge of people, technological equipment (infrastructure) and socio-economic influence. Specifically, Spain is in the lower part, very close to Italy, China and Brazil.We also show you the contribution of digitization, as a percentage, against the gross domestic product ( GDP ). In Spain, the values ​​are a little distant with respect to their European colleagues, and the causes are because we have started with the change later.Closely related to this is the investment made in R&D on GDP, where we also find another of the reasons why Spain is lower in terms of the implementation of Industry 4.0 and is because its investment with respect to the GDP is less (less than half) than other countries such as the USA, France or Germany.Regarding implanted technologies there are quite a few differences. We find, for example, very positive cases in terms of data networks or traditional industrial automation systems, but, nevertheless, there are other very useful technologies such as augmented reality in industrial maintenance.We bring you two curious facts about the number of robots in each country and also about the number of robots per 10,000 employees. In both cases it can be observed that South Korea is a major power in these areas.However, in terms of Internet network speed, Spain is on top and has one of the most extensive fiber optic networks.

Industry 4.0 in Europe

It must be remembered that the term Industry 4.0 was born in Germany in 2011 , with which it can be deduced that this country is at the forefront in relation to digitization in Europe. Many of the European countries share similar objectives, although they have developed their own strategies to adapt them to the problems of each country.
In Germany they are focused on increasing digitization and connectivity to improve value chains and for that reason, they support research and have created a standardization network. United Kingdom is another of the change leading countries promoting technology and innovation centers and investing in a new system of technical education. Finally, we will talk about Sweden , another of the countries that have created a plan for digitization called Produktion 2030, with which they promote and finance projects related to Industry 4.0.
In general, Industry 4.0 initiatives focus on creating a qualified technology community to enhance the development and assimilation of new skills. On a global scale, countries can learn from each other as they each open their own way to Industry 4.0.
Although the countries are at different points in the digitization of their companies, what is clear is that there is an increasing tendency to use these new technologies and this will continue to be the case in the future, carrying out the fourth industrial revolution.
Do you want to apply the technologies related to Industry 4.0 and digitization in any of your Projects? Contact us!
Sources: PWC, Deloitte, BBVA, Penteo, Roland Berger, CEOE, Markets and markets, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism of Spain.