Instituto de la Empresa Familiar

A nationwide organization for family businesses

The Instituto de la Empresa Familiar (IEF) is an independent, nationwide nonprofit business organization representing about 100 leading family-owned companies across different industries. Founded in 1992, it has become an established voice in Spanish business.

Mission and programs

The institute advocates for family businesses, identifies best practices in corporate governance and management, and supports the education of future generations. Its initiatives include:

• University chairs network: partnerships with universities throughout Spain that connect academic knowledge with business practice. The network includes programs at institutions such as Carlos III University of Madrid, Complutense University of Madrid, the University of Seville, the University of Valencia, and the University of the Basque Country, among others.
• Young Family Business Forum: a gathering place for the next generation of family-business leaders, with regular national meetings. In 2026, the 22nd National Meeting was held in Málaga.
• Regional associations: links with 18 family-business associations across Spain’s autonomous communities, including Andalusia, Catalonia, Madrid, Galicia, and the Canary Islands.
• Education: programs such as the 2026 12th Family Business Management and Governance Program.
• Research and publications: reports on family businesses, including “The Future of the Family Business: Its Challenges and Distinctive Contribution” and “Relevance and Survival of the Family Business: Family Businesses in Spain in 2025.”
• IEF Media: audiovisual projects such as the series “The Strength of People,” the documentary “The Invisible Strength,” and the podcast “Those Who Will Leave a Mark.”

Events and conferences

IEF organizes annual events for the sector, including the National Family Business Congress—in 2026, the 28th congress was held in Burgos—the members’ general assembly, and alumni events for its management program. These gatherings bring together business leaders and institutional representatives.

Contact

The institute has a presence in Madrid and Barcelona. Phones: 91 523 04 50 and 93 363 35 54 · Email: iefmad@iefamiliar.com. It is on LinkedIn and YouTube.