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Attract and connect: The 22@Barcelona innovation district and the internationalisation of Barcelona business

The capacity for Innovation is frequently cited as key to international competitiveness (Glaeser, 2003) and cities are increasingly viewed as the hubs of innovation, enriching not only their hinterland but their nations as a whole (US Council on Competitiveness, Innovation: The New Reality for National Prosperity, 2005). In the last decade, cities undertook major infrastructure renewals to support a highly networked, knowledge-based economy. During this time fundamental shifts occurred in patterns of consumption as well as the nature of work, production and the workplace.

Cities are competing with one another to attract not only firms and direct foreign investment, but also skilled knowledge workers, the creative classes (Florida 205) to develop their social capital and capacity for innovation. But are investments in digital infrastructure and amenities to attract the creative classes the enough? The research examines the transformation of Barcelona and its historic cotton district to become an international hub of innovation. Leon highlights the importance of not only attracting international talent but crucially connecting that talent with local firms and social and cultural institutions, supported by digital technologies. Leon describes a framework for this and the actions required by city agencies. As a result of its analysis and findings, Barcelona transformed its programmes for attracting and connecting talent, created online services, BCNInternational, as well as supported the deployment of international associations, Gild, and transformed their ‘landing’ programme to assist international people and business ventures setting up in Barcelona’s new 22@district to connect with innovative local firms and institutions. Supporting material is available from the then Head of the City Agency responsible for the 22@ District of Barcelona and its regeneration, Miquel Barcelo, the Founding Director of Gild, Karen Reith, the Managing Director of BCNInternational, Josep Ros.