The leaders conclude the program with a meeting at the headquarters of Invest in Madrid, the regional agency
Invest in Madrid—the regional office of the Community of Madrid dedicated to attracting, promoting, and supporting foreign investment in the region—works to facilitate the process for international companies to set up, grow, or consolidate their operations in any of Madrid's municipalities.
The latest meeting of the "Líderes 2026" (Leaders 2026) program took place at the institution's headquarters, where its Investment Director, Diego de Arístegui, explained the regional agency's role in attracting investment and supporting companies establishing themselves in Madrid. They were also joined by Conchita Cornejo, Deputy Director General for Investment and Talent Attraction at Madrid City Council.
Madrid as an investment destination
Diego de Arístegui highlighted Madrid's significance within the Spanish economy and its ability to attract foreign investment projects. According to the data presented, the region currently accounts for approximately 20% of the national GDP and hosts a significant portion of the operations of multinational companies present in Spain.
Factors cited to explain this standing include market size, the availability of skilled talent, international connectivity, and the concentration of specialized companies and services. Attention was also drawn to the region's regulatory and tax framework, as well as policies aimed at facilitating business activity.
The Invest in Madrid representative also emphasized the importance of the skilled workforce. Data shared during the meeting indicated that around 50% of the region's employed population holds a university degree—a proportion higher than the European Union average. Furthermore, labor costs for these professionals are lower than those recorded in other major European markets, such as France or Germany.
Additionally, the Madrid region boasts excellent infrastructure, including the Spanish railway network and Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. The region enjoys outstanding connectivity with Europe, North Africa, and Latin America, offering an added advantage for international companies looking to operate from Spain into other markets. In the digital sphere, Invest in Madrid also highlighted the growth of activity related to data centers. The region is positioning itself as a leading hub in Southern Europe for this type of infrastructure, driven by the concentration of companies and users and the availability of new facilities.
Research, innovation, and entrepreneurship
Diego de Arístegui explained that companies engaged in R&D activities can access various support programs depending on the sector and the relevant administrative jurisdiction.
The Madrid startup ecosystem and its links to venture capital investment were also presented. The region is home to a growing number of technology companies and entrepreneurial ventures, and it is part of European innovation and funding networks.
In this context, it is significant that international companies can find talent in Madrid, as well as universities, research centers, and other partners for project development. Collaboration between companies and universities thus emerges as a key factor in strengthening the establishment of foreign firms.
Opportunities for collaboration with Australia
The second part of the meeting focused specifically on ways to strengthen ties between Madrid and Australia. The leaders highlighted the interest of their universities in developing connections with European institutions and exploring joint projects.
Luis Salvador Carulla highlighted the opportunities created by Australian participation in Horizon Europe, as well as the potential to establish new relationships among universities, companies, and other stakeholders in the European ecosystem.
The need to foster greater mutual understanding between Australian and Spanish institutions was also raised. Initiatives regarding mobility, research projects, and mechanisms to connect universities and companies from both countries were mentioned in this regard.
Australian participants also noted the value of leveraging existing relationships between Spanish and Australian researchers. The Association of Spanish Researchers in Australia is a network that can facilitate these connections and help identify specific opportunities for cooperation.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to maintain contact and continue identifying concrete opportunities for collaboration between institutions in Madrid and Australia. Both Invest in Madrid and the leaders agreed on the importance of pursuing collaborations that combine investment, research, talent, and business connections.
Meeting attendees:
Diego de Arístegui, Investment Director - Invest in Madrid
Conchita Cornejo, Deputy Director General for Investment and Talent Attraction – Madrid City Council
