Economic activity hubs in strategic sectors

Facilities located in municipal buildings in the city of Barcelona to promote strategic sectors. 
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We promote the economic diversification of the city with strategic public-private partnership hubs that accelerate growth in key sectors through talent, innovation and entrepreneurship to create high-quality jobs.
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economic activity hubs.
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m²
of dedicated space. 
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€M
million investment, with a municipal contribution of 45%.

WITH THREE MAIN AREAS OF ACTION

Economic activity hubs are a key tool of the Barcelona City Council and Barcelona Activa to drive the city’s economic transformation. Through public‑private collaboration, they bring together talent, entrepreneurial initiative and specialised knowledge to move towards a more diversified, resilient and competitive economic model.

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Training and talent

Professional development is one of the core pillars of the hubs. Through specialised training and capacity‑building programmes tailored to the needs of strategic sectors, they promote skills upgrading, improved employability and talent attraction, contributing to the creation of quality jobs.

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Entrepreneurship and innovation

The creation and growth of innovative business projects are supported through mentoring, incubation and acceleration programmes. This environment fosters applied innovation, the development of new business models and knowledge transfer between companies, institutions and key sector stakeholders.

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Ecosystem and community

As spaces for meeting and connection, the hubs facilitate collaboration between companies, organisations, knowledge centres and public administrations. The activation of vibrant communitie, through events, networking activities and shared projects, strengthens the economic ecosystem and generates economic and social impact across the city.

The economic map of the Barcelona of the future

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Economic activity hubs

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Barcelona XRLAB

The immersive innovation hub located in Palo Alto, created in collaboration with  Lavinia, ArtsMediatech and MagmaCultura. This pioneering space is focused on experimentation and training in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies, which helps to nurture the city's creative and digital talent.

Barcelona XRLAB connects companies, creators, and institutions to fast-track disruptive projects and position Barcelona at the forefront of the audiovisual and technology sector.

Barcelona Circular (BAC)

The city's industrial innovation and circular economy hub is in the MTA building and run by Mondragón Unibersitatea and TeamLabs. It provides a collaborative ecosystem for over 200 young entrepreneurs, companies, and organisations committed to sustainability, productive transformation, and creating quality jobs.

This space promotes new circular business models, fostering a more resilient and competitive future for Barcelona.

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Digital Talent hub

The city’s digital talent hub, located in the Nou Barris Technology Park and driven by Barcelona Activa together with Fundación ONCE and Fundación Telefónica. It offers an innovative training ecosystem that connects people, companies and tech projects, with the capacity to train more than 3,000 people every year.

A space that strengthens the generation of inclusive digital talent and positions Barcelona as a reference in technological development and quality employment.

 

LIDERA hub

The city’s hub for women’s leadership and professional growth, located in the MediaTIC building and led by Barcelona Activa. A space that provides training, support and ecosystem connections for professionals, entrepreneurs and businesswomen aiming to progress in their careers and access new opportunities.

An initiative that reinforces women’s talent and contributes to building a more equal, competitive Barcelona with quality employment.

 

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Barcelona Urban Tech (BUTH)

This hub, managed by the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Barcelona (IAAC), aims to launch pilot projects and urban innovation labs, linking talent and businesses to turn Barcelona into a leading smart city, as part of the New European Bauhaus initiative.

Expected 2028

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Barcelona Innovation and Care (BIC165)              

This hub works to promote the professionalisation and innovation of the care economy, connecting stakeholders and projects to tackle the challenges of a caring city.

Expected January 2027