The report Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Diagnostics of Spain, published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), positions Spain as one of the most dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems in Europe and provides international validation of the Spanish model of public support for entrepreneurship and innovation. The document highlights that the country has narrowed the gap with the continent’s most advanced ecosystems and is emerging as a benchmark and one of the leading countries in the European innovation and competitiveness agenda.
The study underscores the decisive role of Enisa, a public entity attached to the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, as a key public instrument in consolidating this progress. In particular, it highlights its role in risk financing, fostering an entrepreneurial culture, and implementing the Startup Law—a regulation that the OECD considers fully aligned with the latest European strategies in innovation.
Entrepreneurship, a strategic pillar of Spain’s economic future
The OECD notes that entrepreneurship has become a fundamental pillar of innovation, competitiveness, and long-term growth in Spain. Although the Spanish ecosystem is relatively young—having begun to take shape only about twenty years ago—its development has been rapid, closing the gap with leading countries and positioning itself among the most active environments in Europe.
The report concludes that the evolution of the Spanish ecosystem in areas such as regulation, financing, talent, and entrepreneurial culture reflects that Spain has made “significant progress in consolidating a favorable environment for the creation and growth of startups,” supported by public institutions acting as catalysts, including Enisa.
Enisa, a strategic player in Spain’s entrepreneurial ecosystem
The OECD identifies Enisa as one of the institutional pillars of the ecosystem, thanks to:
The report also highlights that Enisa’s sector-specific financing programs are essential to strengthening late-stage funding and stimulating private investment in innovation, especially in deep-tech sectors, complex technological projects, and high-growth-potential companies.
A growing ecosystem with major opportunities
The OECD analysis points to indicators confirming the dynamism of Spain’s ecosystem:
In addition, Spain is experiencing increasing institutionalization of its ecosystem, with Enisa consolidating its position as a benchmark entity in mobilizing financing and supporting innovative businesses.
Challenges: financing, talent, and entrepreneurial culture
The report identifies structural challenges that Spain must address to accelerate the ecosystem’s maturity:
1. Financing
2. Talent
3. Culture
In this context, the OECD points to Enisa as a public instrument capable of addressing structural gaps, energizing strategic sectors, and strengthening entrepreneurial culture through its financing and its role as a certifying body.
OECD recommendations: strengthen Enisa’s role and deepen the national strategy
The report proposes further development in areas where Enisa already plays a key role:
Conclusion: a fast-moving ecosystem with Enisa as a cornerstone
The OECD concludes that Spain has the foundations to consolidate itself as one of Europe’s most dynamic and advanced entrepreneurial ecosystems. It emphasizes that public institutions such as Enisa will be essential to:
“Enisa, as a benchmark entity in risk financing and startup certification, reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that the Startup Law becomes a driver of innovation, competitiveness, development, and talent attraction. With the adjustments recommended by the OECD and a new roadmap underway, Spain has the opportunity to consolidate itself as one of the most advanced entrepreneurial ecosystems in Europe,” said Carolina Rodríguez, CEO of Enisa.
About Enisa
Empresa Nacional de Innovación is a public entity attached to the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, whose mission is to ensure that viable and innovative projects led by Spanish startups and SMEs can access the financing needed to develop and compete in a global market.
This financial support is provided through participating loans ranging from €25,000 to €1.5 million. This type of financing is particularly well suited to SMEs, as it does not require collateral or guarantees beyond a solid business project and the professional solvency of its management team.
In addition, Enisa acts as the certifying body for startups seeking to benefit from the tax advantages and specific provisions of the Startup Law—a pioneering piece of legislation in Europe that creates a favorable legal environment for startup growth and success.
Since it began granting participating loans, Enisa has invested €1.4 billion across 9,600 loans to finance 8,300 companies. It has also certified 2,100 startups.
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