Madrid is the centre of key economic activity in southern Europe and also benefits from privileged access to the Latin American market. It accounts for 40% of the volume of business in Spain, and has the highest concentration of domestic companies (519,307 active companies). From Spain's 2,000 largest companies, 72% are based in Madrid. According to the "Fortune Global 500: Cities" ranking, which orders cities according to the location of the world's leading companies in terms of turnover, in 2007 Madrid was ranked eighth in the world and third in Europe. This ability to attract capital has been ongoing, favoured by its privileged position and infrastructures.

The region invested 3,416 million euros in R&D in 2007, 27% of Spain's total. At a European level, the region of Madrid is amongst 15% of regions that invest most in R&D, according to the European Innovation Scoreboard implemented in 2006, which provides a comparative assessment of the innovation performance of EU Member States.

Madrid economy is structured into sectors of activity not only noted for their technological and innovative base, but which also drive other more mature segments with greater reach in the region.