Donostia/San Sebastián is making a strong mark on the global science and innovation map: it ranks among the 200 most important scientific cities internationally and occupies fourth place in Spain according to Nature. In the city, 22 out of every 1,000 inhabitants are research staff—well above the national average of 4.6.

With an annual investment of 3.7% of GDP in R&D&I—higher than the European average of 2.27%—equivalent to 365.4 million euros per year, and a network of 124 companies active in innovation and 6,800 specialised professionals—46.6% of whom are women—San Sebastián has consolidated a highly competitive scientific structure. Furthermore, 35% of the city’s employment is concentrated in knowledge-intensive sectors, which demonstrates the strong orientation of the local economic fabric towards high value-added activities.

Donostia reflects the essence of Basque culture, a tradition with ancient roots whose language, Euskera—the oldest in Europe and still of unknown origin—symbolises a unique identity. The city keeps local traditions alive, such as euskal dantzak (traditional dances), bertsolaritza (improvised sung verse) and herri kirolak (Basque rural sports), as well as a carefully crafted cuisine of international renown.