Evolution of Industrial Landscapes in Spain
1. Factors Influencing Industrial Location and Organization
Predicting and organizing a country’s industrial fabric is crucial for its economy. Understanding the factors that attract businesses to specific locations is essential. Several key factors play a significant role:
Social Factors:
- Presence of an organized entrepreneurial class.
- Availability of affordable labor.
- Proximity to political decision-making centers.
Spatial Factors:
- Access to raw materials.
- Presence of infrastructure and complementary industries.
- Connection to information networks.
Historically, Spain’s industrial model consisted of disconnected cores, primarily in Catalonia, the Basque Country, Andalusia, Asturias, Madrid, and Valencia.
Early Industrial Development:
- Catalonia: Entrepreneurial class with capital and a workforce skilled in textile manufacturing.
- Basque Country: Industrial entrepreneurial class and access to English coal for the steel industry.
- Asturias and Andalusia: Rich mineral deposits and proximity to seaports for export.
- Madrid: Benefited from being the state capital.
Over time, this model evolved into a more extensive and interconnected structure. The need to be part of a global network of industrial enclaves has led to globalization, which leverages cheaper labor outside Europe, fragmenting industrial production.
The Catalan Textile Industry
Wool and cotton textile industries formed the basis of industrialization in Spain, particularly in Catalonia and Valencia. In 1860, the Catalan textile sector represented 70% of all industrial production.
Initially, the industry spread along river axes to utilize hydraulic energy. Later, it shifted towards machinery manufacturing, chemicals, and transport, concentrating around Barcelona due to access to raw materials, markets, the port, and growing infrastructure.
Mining and Madrid’s Rise
Spain, rich in minerals, became a leading mineral exporter in the 19th century. Madrid focused on industries like currency minting and benefited from improved rail connections, becoming a central hub and attracting financial capital.
A Geography of Industrial Concentrations and Hubs (1985)
The distribution of industry in Spain in 1985 showed:
- Creation of links between industrial cores and large axes.
- Densification of existing industrial areas.
Factors like transport costs and technological advancements encouraged industrial dispersion. Key axes emerged:
- Ebro Valley: Connecting the Basque Country and Catalonia through Zaragoza.
- Mediterranean Axis: Linking Murcia, Valencia, and Catalonia, extending to France and the European Mediterranean axis.
Despite growth, the industrial fabric remained discontinuous. New technologies allowed for remote production facilities, separating them from decision-making centers in major cities.