Abstract

This case discusses the emergence of Spain as an industrial powerhouse. Spain’s economic reforms have accelerated after becoming a member of the European Economic Community. Privatisation has played a significant role in Spain’s turnaround as have flexible labour markets and foreign investments. As Spain has become more open to the external world, many multinational corporations have invested in Spain while Spanish companies like Telefonica and Endesa have also become aggressive foreign investors. Though unemployment is still high, Spain has created thousands of jobs in recent times. Some of the challenges which Spain face are the Basque separatists, the huge pension burden and European Union (EU) enlargement which may reduce the assistance which the country currently receives from the EU. The case illustrates the type of policies countries need to pursue to graduate from emerging nation to developed country status.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

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Keywords

Country case study of Spain, Economic and Monetary Union, Macroeconomics, Privatisation, Foreign trade in Spain, Flexible labour markets, Telefonica, Endesa, Industry in Spain, Basque separatists, Jose Maria Aznar, Prime Minister, Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America, Madrid