The use of robots can increase productivity in SMEs, but may not boost exports

Spanish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector that use robots are more productive, especially those that have fewer workers and are less innovative. However, automation alone does not translate into an increase in exports. Companies' presence in international markets is closely linked to the existence of localization economies in the region. This is the main conclusion of a pioneering study by researchers from the UOC's Faculty of Economics and Business. It is the first analysis of the impact that adopting these technologies has on SMEs, firms with a workforce of 10 to 200 employees, a sector that represents a large part of the Spanish business community.