Economy of Bratislava

The unemployment rate in Bratislava was 1.83% in December 2007. Many governmental institutions and private companies have their headquarters in Bratislava. More than 75% of Bratislava's population works in the service sector, mainly composed of trade, banking, IT, telecommunications, and tourism. The Bratislava Stock Exchange (BSSE), the organizer of the public securities market, was founded on March 15, 1991.

Companies with the highest value added according to TREND TOP 200 ranking (2011), operating predominantly in Bratislava, include Volkswagen Slovakia automotive plant, Slovnaft refinery (MOL), Eset (a software developer), Asseco (also a software company), PPC Power (producer of heat and steam) and Trenkwalder personnel agency.

The automaker Volkswagen built a factory in Bratislava in 1991 and has expanded since. Currently, its production focuses on SUVs, which represent 68% of all production. The VW Touareg is produced in Bratislava, and the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 are partially built there.

In recent years, service and high-tech-oriented businesses have prospered in Bratislava. Many global companies, including IBM, Dell, Lenovo, AT&T, SAP, and Accenture, have built outsourcing and service centers here or plan to do so soon. Reasons for the influx of multinational corporations include proximity to the Western Europe, skilled labor force and the high density of universities and research facilities.