Statistics show that innovative output in Spain is poor and on the other hand that the changing environment requires intensive efforts to increase the innovative capacity. Innovations can be analysed by their results, which means to focus on new products or new elements used in the production processes or by the way how the whole process from the invention to the commercialisation phase is managed. The quantification of patents is output oriented, while the management of innovation is process oriented. In the case of technological innovations, a needs’ analysis of individual competence helps to avoid the process of trial and error, which is expensive and time consuming. From a macroeconomic point of view, technology is considered an important factor for economic growth. Countries with high labour costs feel the need to improve their competitiveness by substituting labour for capital. The sectoral survey of research activities shows the importance of the corporate sector in research in almost all countries.