The need of transformation in the productive model in Spain: the role of territory

The failure of the foundations of the Spanish production model based on low productivity has resulted in a complete inability to react to the economic crisis with rising unemployment rates and a serious stagnation of GDP. The main challenge of the Spanish economy requires of a decided bet for pillars in which a new production model would be sustained, that is, creativity, innovation and knowledge. This article will discuss first the theoretical framework that analyses the role assumed by the territory in the xxi century as an engine of economic change. Next, it will identify the key aspects of the current production model and then examine the contribution of the territory to change of model based on four major metropolitan areas: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Bilbao. Finally, we will address the public policy recommendations under the light of the previous results.