The lecture describes the conclusions from the next stage of studies on the transformation of Spanish chambers of commerce conducted by Prof. Ivan Medina and a group of Spanish researchers of business environment organizations (BEOs).
Research problem: In a context of economic crisis and institutional reforms, the Partido Popular introduced in 2014 a new hybrid model of chambers of commerce. According to the new law, the chambers are still regulated by public law, although their management must be market-oriented, and their main source of funding must come from the provision of services to companies. Gone was the public model of chambers based on mandatory membership, compulsory fees, and the representation of business interests. Recent research indicates that the hybrid model for chambers of commerce, as described in the law, is not being properly implemented.
Current understanding: A recent study by Medina and Molins (2025), focusing on the Cambra de Comerç de Barcelona (Barcelona Chamber of Commerce – BCC), indicates that revenue from the provision of services is not its main source of income. On the contrary, the BCC has increased public revenue from agreements with public administrations. This has turned the BCC into a sort of ‘public-private agency’ for implementing government public policies.
Research question: How is the hybrid model in Spanish chambers of commerce developing a decade after legislative reform?
Findings: In Spain, a new de facto public model is being developed, with high percentages of public funding resulting from collaborative agreements with public administrations.
Implications: The elimination of mandatory fees for the chambers has not brought them closer to a ‘private model,’ but quite the opposite. This raises serious doubts about their ability to become institutions serving local businesses. Public funding, while ensuring their survival, diminishes their autonomy.
Research design: This presentation carries out a descriptive analysis of an original database of the budgets of most chambers for the period 2021-2024, with particular attention paid to the source of income (provision of services, public subsidies, etc.).
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This year, the Conference is scheduled for one day online – November 20, 2025. Free access. Links will be send by e-mail only for registerred participants!
More information about the Conference, Speakers and agenda are avaiable at https://chambers.pl.
See you in November!
