Overview
Safety and security are defined for the purposes of this report as the equipment and services used to protect people and assets by creating a safe and secure environment. Security pertains to protection against criminal activities and threats such as utilizing a guard, access controls, or installing video cameras. Safety is concerned with the protection of people and assets against hazards (mishaps and accidents). Both aspects are considered as sectors of opportunity for U.S. exporters of goods and services interested in the Spanish market.
Spain’s security equipment industry is estimated at approximately $2.7 billion (€2.5 billion), the fifth largest in Europe. The country has a 10% trade deficit in the sector and relies on imports from the key trading partners including China, France, Germany, Italy, UK, and the United States. This makes the United States a strong supply source for Spanish demand.
The highest growth is seen in the segments of access control and identity management; communications equipment; data analytics and storage; disaster management; drone technology; fire equipment for prevention, detection, and extinction; personal protective gear; risk management services; law enforcement gear; screening and detection equipment; and surveillance and specialized vehicles.
Madrid, Catalonia, and Valencia are the top three autonomous communities in the industry.
Home security systems (e.g., CCTV) are on the rise and are expected to surge by 14.9% from 2021 to 2028. It is predicted that there will be 1.8 million users by 2026.
Over the next two years, Spain will spend $190 million (€176.7 million) on drone technology under the Ministry of Science and Innovation. There are several development projects in the works, which represent strong opportunities for U.S. companies.
Health and safety in the workplace, referred to as “seguridad laboral,” continues to be a leading sector in Spain due to regulations. Over 50% of companies have safety representatives, while 20% have a health and safety committee. Focus in this sector of the industry is growing after the pandemic and companies are looking to increase and improve their effectiveness in this area.
The security sector in Spain is made up of 79% public companies and 21% private, with over 11,500 security companies. The main customers in this sector are:
- Central and regional governments: national buildings; parliaments; state assemblies; and senior officials’ residences.
- Infrastructure: financial institutions; commercial banks; cities and municipalities; and critical national infrastructure protection (e.g., energy generation and water utility facilities).
- First responders: police and law enforcement; emergency services (e.g., fire and disaster resilience management); and situational awareness and emergency communication equipment at the local, regional, and national levels.
- Border security: entry points from land, sea, or air (e.g. airports, ports, and entry/exit checkpoints on land borders).
- Large events security: large scale business and entertainment events (e.g., sports centers and concerts).
- Transport security: critical public mobility facilities (e.g., railways, roads, and urban metro rail) where public and private sector organizations seek security solutions that do not disrupt passenger and freight flows.
To engage the Spanish market from a competitive footing, it is strongly recommended that U.S. manufacturers appoint a local representative, especially if seeking to participate in public tenders.
The 2017 terrorist attacks in Barcelona directed greater attention on threats posed by terrorists and were a catalyst for Spanish authorities to enhance emergency planning and response capabilities. Still, collaboration among Spanish regions can be challenging when it comes to resource allocation and decision-making for national-level issues. This represents an obstacle to harmonized efforts to carry out the country’s counter terror and public safety missions.
Leading Sub-Sectors
| Sub-Sector | Features |
|---|---|
| Access Control, Perimeter Security, and Identity Management | Proximity and smart cards, access control, keypads, biometrics, door locks, electromechanical locking systems, bolts, physical barriers and area protection, perimeter fencing, and counter-IED infrastructure |
| Entryway Systems | Mechanical locks, automated gates, vehicles barriers, turnstiles, roll-up doors, and smart recognition systems for controlled access |
| Command and Control | Information technology, computer-aided dispatch, physical security information management, geographical information systems, public service answering points, managed services and integration |
| Communication Equipment | Radio equipment, fiber optic, satellite equipment, network solutions and integration |
| Data Analytics and Storage | Big data solutions and data intelligence. |
| Risk Adverse Security Services | Advisory and analysis, maritime protection, VIP protection, and anti-theft systems |
| Screening and Detection | Screening of baggage, vehicles and people (hand-held devices to large sensor arrays); narcotics, explosive, and metal detectors; high resolution scanners |
| Video Surveillance | Surveillance includes cameras, drone systems, CCTV systems, storage, analytics, networks, video management, facial recognition, biometrics technologies, novel technologies for locating and identifying unmanned aerial vehicles, and passive and active radar systems |
| Vehicles and Platforms | Sirens and blue light services |
| Personal Protection Gear | Shields; tactical gear; vests; and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defense suits |
| Fire Equipment | Active fire protection (detection and alarm systems, sprinklers, and mists and inert gas systems); passive fire protection (structural fire protection, fire stopping and fire doors); and fire and rescue (appliances, hoses, uniforms, and breathing apparatus) |
| Managed Services | Manned guarding, total security solutions, and security as a service |
| Disaster Management/Disaster Resilience | Products, services, and intelligence in support of humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts (natural, manmade, or climate change) |
| Crow Control Systems | Safety barriers, access control, and security solutions for employees and customers |
| National Security Innovative Solutions | Counter terrorism, border security, critical infrastructure, command and control, and law enforcement equipment |
| Drones and Counter-drone Technology | Border control, city and traffic surveillance, airport, and port security |
Source: Frost & Sullivan Security Report 2021/2022
There is increased demand for integrated solutions, such as security solutions that cover on-site and immediate response personnel, intelligent video surveillance systems, biometrics solutions, electronic security, alarm systems, and fire-related security systems to help increase cities’ resilience and response time. Critical infrastructure protection is also in high demand for better and more innovative surveillance systems and technologies.
The current Spanish economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertain political scenario after the 2023 elections has impacted public procurement budgets resulting in some projects being put on hold. Nevertheless, there are many products that are expected to maintain a high degree of interest in the market such as, explosives detection equipment for ports and airports, equipment for forensic police, and high-end law enforcement surveillance systems.
In general, U.S. safety and security products enjoy an excellent reputation as being high quality and state-of-the-art products. Partnering with a strong Spanish counterpart should be considered as a primary option to develop an effective market access strategy, especially when engaging in public procurements. Most multinationals in the sector are present in Spain directly or through partners.
Opportunities
Disaster Resilience in Spain and EU Funded Projects
Commercial Service Spain can help U.S. organizations to access the Cluster 3 programs for civil security for safer societies. The program, under the EU Research and Innovation (R&I) framework, Horizon Europe, funds opportunities to develop innovative solutions in different fields of security, such as disaster resilience, combatting crime and terrorism, border security, and critical infrastructures protection. This program is open for proposals annually between June and November until a working program is in place. This route enhances international cooperation with stakeholders in the United States.
International cooperation has had positive outcomes when accessing projects available under this program, especially if the U.S. company offers high-tech, innovative solutions. Successful projects led by Spain include the active involvement of Spanish stakeholders, end-users, industry, and academia. U.S. organizations can participate via local partnerships, made possible with the help of the U.S. Commercial Service partner search and matchmaking programs.
One example of an outstanding program offered by the Spanish government is international cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and CDTI (Center for Technology and Innovation). The International Forum to Advance First Responder Innovation (IFRAFRI) is an organization of government leaders from across the globe, focused on enhancing and expanding the development of affordable and innovative technology for first responders worldwide.
IFAFRI does this by working with the global first responder community to define a list of common, high-priority capability gaps, providing a platform for international collaboration on innovative research and development (R&D) initiatives and solutions. This process informs and guides industry and academia about market opportunities to incentivize these actors to develop and produce innovative technology solutions to first responder capability gaps. Additionally, the program provides information about relevant and available first responder technologies to the first responder community, while not endorsing any specific company.
The purpose of this list of suppliers is to characterize the markets and identify technology solutions relevant to IFAFRI’s Capability Gap 5, “the ability to maintain interoperable communications with responders in any environmental conditions.” IFAFRI is publishing this information to identify potential areas of R&D where there may be opportunities for industry and academia to develop innovative solutions. Further, it is intended to provide industry and academia with key data points and analysis that will inform their decision on entering or expanding into related markets.
Commercial Service Spain can help U.S. companies understand the steps necessary to be included in this list.
Port Security
One of the greatest challenges to the development of a smart port is the rising threat of cyberattacks and the need for increased physical security. Ports around Spain have begun to install cameras at terminal entrances to keep a registration of vehicles accessing port and systems of “remote security” to provide security personnel with wireless devices. Solutions in high demand are facial recognition systems, control of cargo activity, tracking control of vehicles and people inside the port, use of artificial intelligence to help detect wrongful actions, and any innovative smart port security technology.
Furthermore, because many companies in the port industry are responsible for safeguarding physical assets as well as customer data, many ports require modernized and guarded security systems. The United States is a primary source for these types of innovative technologies.
Resources
Local Partners:
The Commercial Service collaborates with a significant network of local partners to help leverage opportunities and include U.S. stakeholders in this dynamic environment. Here are a few:
- CDTI
- Fundación Borredá
- Horizon Europe Funds – Cluster 3 for Civil Security Society
- Security Technological Center for Innovation - Ministry of Interior
- Seguritecnia Magazine
For more information and services in Spain please contact:
U.S. Commercial Service Spain
Safety and Security Specialist: Angela Turrin
Tel: (+34) 913 081 567
email: Angela.Turrin@trade.gov