How many students aged over 15 years have excellent results in sciences and how many hope to undertake a research-related career? In 2015, some 28.6% of Spanish students wanted to work in a scientific profession.

This indicator shows a view of innovation from an economic, environmental and social perspective. In 2015, the Spanish eco-innovation index was situated above that of the European Union.

The total number of applications for patents is an indicator of companies' innovation effort. Specifically, those focusing on societal challenges measure the level of application of technology related with the environment and health.

What are the possibilities for innovative ideas reaching the market in each country? In 2014, Sweden was the European Union country with the highest transfer of innovation to the market, whereas Portugal occupied the opposite position.

This index allows comparison of the level of innovation in different regions. Measuring variables such as infrastructures, business activity or tangible results, it shows that in Spain there is still much work to be done.

How much do countries invest in R&D? In more dynamic economies, the business sector is the major funder, whereas in Southern Europe, the governments lead investment.

Economic crises bring with them numerous political decisions that affect healthcare systems. In this article by the Social Observatory of “la Caixa”, we analyse the effects of the crisis on the reform of the long-term care system in European countries.

Forest fires are a recurring problem that destroy tens of thousands of hectares of woodland every year. In this article by the Social Observatory of “la Caixa”, we analyse sustainable solutions for the long term within a "green employment strategy". 

We interview Lee Rainie and Cary Funk, the heads of Internet, Science and Technology research at the Pew Research Center, the USA’s most prestigious fact tank.

How does music influence our wellbeing? This article by the Social Observatory of "la Caixa” describes how various researchers, healthcare practitioners and other professionals interpret the relationship that exists between music and happiness.

In this interview, John O’Hagan explains the numerous benefits that the arts bring to society, from their contribution to the formation of a collective identity to their positive impact on the economy.

"What purpose does science serve in current times? Is it for the common good or for the benefit of just a few? Science needs to learn humility and be prepared to admit it when a solution cannot be given.” Andrea Saltelli, researcher at the University of Bergen and at ICTA Barcelona, talks about the current crisis affecting science and its possible solutions.

The reduction in aid programmes for vulnerable groups has caused an increase in situations of social exclusion in Europe. In this interview, Nick Axford explains to the Social Observatory of "la Caixa” how social protection policies are designed and the factors that intervene in the process.

Climate change is a very complex problem, and its possible solutions may not be a matter of true or false, but of better or worse. We review two books that talk about how this debate is ceasing to be a technical and rational question to become a question of values and lifestyles.

The level of cultural participation in our country is similar to that of other European countries, with the exception of the Nordic countries. From a comparative perspective, this article by the Social Observatory of "la Caixa” analyses the effects of education level, age, income and some variables of the employment situation on attendance rates.