Considering the long R&D processes in this industry, an unceasing research effort is needed to maintain the competitive position. Empirical research shows the growth of R&D in Aeronautics, together with the decline of the products’ life cycle. A good example is the B-17 plane, with a development cycle similar to its life cycle.

INDRA is one of the Spanish leaders in the information technologies industry. It has a large array of customers, and it offers global solutions to advanced technology needs.

A change is running in the use of orbital manned flights’ labs for microgravity experimentation. After the European Spacelab and Russian MIR experiences, microgravity experimentation is developed in the scientific modules of the International Space Station, ISS. Columbia disaster in February 2003, has imposed a delay in the ISS assembly. The authors also deal with the Cervantes mission, sponsored by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology through the Industrial and Technological Development Center (CDTI). The aim of the Cervantes mission is to complete within the ISS an experimental programme done by European scientists.

Nowadays, the enlargement of Madrid-Barajas airport is almost finished. An exciting challenge characterised by some needs: to double the size, maintaining or improving service quality, in the fifth European airport without interference in daily operations. That challenge is faced with the aid of innovation and updated technologies.

Following the integration of the former Aeronautical Works, Ltd. (CASA) in EADS (a transnational company with French, German, and Spanish partners), this company runs two Spanish firms: EADS CASA, and Airbus Spain. This article is a revision of the business changes from 1998, of the present firm position, and of the main EADS products elaborated in Spain.

The National Institute of Aerospace Technology is a public research organization specialized in research and technological development in the aerospace field in Spain. Within this field, it does research, develops new technologies, performs tests and certifies materials, equipment and systems. It also provides technical advice, spreads knowledge and trains technologists. It has highest level facilities and laboratories, space stations and experimentation fields. It develops, either on its own, or through international cooperation, field segment, aeronautical and space platforms and payloads to be applied in science and technology, and remote sensing and communications as well. It also develops activities within other fields related to the environment or automotive field.

What are the knowledge sources used in a city? Are created within it? Where the knowledge created in Barcelona is exploited? Who appropriate it? It is used by firms and institutions within town, or by others? There is a wide perception about the valorization in other cities of the research done in Barcelona or Madrid, mainly in the countries where the multinational headquarters are located.

European Union try for a 3% of the European Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in R&D investment in 2010. Nevertheless, not all European countries will attain this goal. In Spain, public R&D investment is below of European mean, but larger difference appears in the private R&D investment. The scarce private innovation –due to the small dimension of the high technology industries, and also to the firm’s limited size- is a heavy burden for that European objective. In Spain, a 1,7% objective would be reasonable.