Overview
- An analysis by Fundación BBVA and Ivie using OECD PIAAC-2023 data reports Spain’s working-age population scores below the OECD average in literacy, numeracy and problem solving.
- Spain’s indices stand at 247 in reading, 250 in mathematics and 241 in problem solving versus OECD averages of 260, 263 and 251, respectively.
- The numeracy gap widens sharply across generations, from −6.3 points for adults aged 55–65 to −18.7 for those aged 25–34, a pattern echoed in the other skills.
- Controlling for education level, the 55–65 cohort meets or slightly exceeds OECD peers (for example, +3.3 points in mathematics), pointing to quality of learning rather than years of schooling as the driver.
- Spain ranks among the five OECD countries with the weakest intergenerational gains, and the authors call for reducing early school leaving, modernizing vocational training and raising standards for teacher selection and preparation.