Spearheading the project
Puma lands in Barcelona Gas Natural Fenosa, from gas lighting to electricity
Flaixos
Top city for business The 2010 European Cities Monitor release shows Barcelona remains one of the top cities for business. Only topped by the political and economic capitals of the EU, the city brand is strong because of the drive, creativity and professionality of both its locals and foreign inhabitants.
1 Balcelona Good News
Antoni Gir贸, UPC rector:
Good news January 2011. N. 1
Barcelona Business Magazine
www.bcn.cat/barcelonabusiness
editor’s sections Barcelona Good News
2
new stage, new views Until recently, Good News came in newsletter format; with the change to paper support, it became a magazine and therefore a new and expanded publication, both physically and in terms of content. We are pleased to present Barcelona’s new business magazine, a
enhanced transport, welfare and knowledge economy
revamp of the existing Barcelona Good News but with fresh and
infrastructures. They attract investment from home and
enhanced relevance.
abroad and drive an economy based on added value as
This relevance, however, does not just come out of nowhere
the only way to ensure the prosperity of Barcelona over
but instead is the consequence of the period Barcelona is
forthcoming decades.
going through. Indeed, the new format brings with it expanded
Nonetheless, alongside the favourable conditions created
communication to encompass a dimension of the city, the
by its institutions, the city’s prosperity is above all the result
economic one, which in the midst of the worst global crisis
of the excellent work done by its people and those who have
in seventy years has been able to maintain its position at the
built their projects in Barcelona over recent decades. It is also
international forefront. It is therefore only fair to provide a more
down to those who have more recently sited their business
detailed and accurate portrayal of Barcelona’s economy.
initiatives in Barcelona to take advantage of the city’s positive
Barcelona’s strength as a centre for economic activity and
dynamics that are recognized in the international rankings.
innovation can be seen in the data produced by consultants
Good News intends to cover both cases.
whose job it is to identify the best places for doing business in
Finally, it should be noted that Good News is in English
Europe and around the world. As the cover story in this first issue
not only because English is the international language of
of the new Good News points out, Barcelona’s position in these
business today, but also because with this publication,
rankings is based not only on the city’s personality and well-
Barcelona is further extending its strategic commitment
known creative skills, but also on its figures and the confidence
to being open to foreign talent, talent that is a rewarding
it generates among executives across the continent.
opportunity for the entire city in its human, cultural, language
This competitive Barcelona with its European and worldwide
and, obviously, also economic aspects.
relevance is largely the outcome of development policies over the course of its history that now take the shape of
BCN HIGHLIGHTS 3 /// STANDING OUT 4 Barcelona, top city for business /// BARCELONA WORLD 9 /// SPOTLIGHT ON 10 Antoni Giró, UPC Rector /// WIDE ANGLE 13 Gas Natural Fenosa /// DO IT IN BARCELONA 14 /// NETWORKING 15 /// TOP SECRET 16 /// ZOOM IN 17 CFLabs /// DEPARTURES AND ARRIVALS 18 Puma / Almirall /// PENSAT A barcelona 20 /// WHAT’S COOKING BET 22 ///AGENDA 24
COVER: The cover shows the RTVE buildings (left), Interface Building (centre) and Indra (right) in 22@Barcelona, the innovation district. The picture was taken by Lluís Bernat, BPMO photo. The font used for the masthead is called “Poster” and has been specially designed for this issue by Iñigo Jerez, from Typo-Ø-Tones. This chunky didot-like typeface with thick strokes, thin arms and serifs owes its origin to the revivals of 19th century Bodoni modifications. The other fonts used in Good News Barcelona are Akkurat and ITC Barcelona, the latter designed by Edward Benguiat for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Jordi Hereu i Boher Mayor of Barcelona
Editor Barcelona City Council - Economic Promotion Area Llacuna 162, 08018 Barcelona (Spain) T. (+34) 932 563 915 www.bcn.cat/barcelonabusiness Design and Production: BPMO Edigrup - www.bpmoedigrup.com. Creative Director: Paula Mastrángelo /// Editorial Coordinator: Carmen Alcalde /// Art Director: Marta Solà /// Photo Editing: Carlota Prats, BPMO photo /// Language Coordinator: Raúl Pelegrín /// Print by Enlaze3 Print Management Cofunded by
receiving the distinction of ‘City of Science
The Telecommunications Market Commission (CMT) becomes first state agency to establish its headquarters in Barcelona
The new CMT offices are more symbolic, provide more space and better security than its provisional headquarters in the Mapfre Tower. The Spanish Government, led by José Luis
and Innovation’ by the Ministry of Science and
Rodríguez Zapatero, approved the transfer of the CMT from
Technology for the first time. The title, which
Madrid to Barcelona in December 2004.
will be given in early 2011, recognizes the
The Commission’s new offices have 600 full-time employees
efforts of the city in research and development
and occupy two buildings with a total area of over 12,000
and will benefit research programs.
square metres. The first houses the CMT directorates and
For three years the recognised cities will
the offices of the Presidential Department, the Council and
make up ‘Impulso Red’, a network of cities of
the Secretariat. Installed with solar panels and connected to
science and innovation. Barcelona is the only
the city’s urban heating and cooling systems, this bioclimatic
large city (over 10,000 inhabitants) that has
building is highly efficient in terms of energy. The second
received recognition from the Ministry for its
building houses an auditorium seating 330 and an interna-
commitment to research.
tional meeting room. Moreover, a crèche on the same floor
More info: http://www.mityc.es
helps CMT staff to reconcile work and family life.
New flights announced from Barcelona to Sao Paulo and Miami Iberia has announced that the company will be flying to Sao Paulo and Miami from Barcelona El Prat International Airport. The new thrice-
More info: http://www.cmt.es
The city presents its candidature to host the 2022 Winter Olympiad
3
weekly direct flights, with no stopovers, will
way to meeting the long-held ambition cherished
Barcelona will have to pass through three filters if the city’s Olympic hopes are to finally prosper.
by both the Government of Catalonia and
The first is the selection of the candidature by
Barcelona City Council: to consolidate El Prat as
the Spanish Olympic Committee, which will meet
the Spain’s second-most important airport.
for this purpose in 2013. At the meeting, the
More info: http://www.iberia.com
Catalan capital’s rival will be Jaca, presenting
begin next summer season, in March 2011. These new transatlantic destinations go a long
MSC continues ITS commitment with us
its seventh bid to host the Winter Olympics. The second obstacle will be the International Olympic
EVS27 2013, devoted to the electric vehicle
The Swiss company MSC Cruises chose
decision will be taken in October 2015.
Barcelona to present its new developments
As Jordi Hereu, the mayor of Barcelona, ex-
for the 2010-2011 season. Company director
plained at a press conference in January this
Emiliano González stated that MSC “continues
year, the city’s proposal revolves around two
The project, led by Barcelona City Council, the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) and the Spanish Association for the Electric Vehicle, won the vote against candidatures put forward by other cities such as Geneva and Paris.
its commitment to the Port of Barcelona, one
Olympic villages. These are: Barcelona itself,
In 2013, Barcelona will host the most important international
of our key destinations”. Four MSC flagships,
which will host the opening and closing ceremo-
meeting in the specialist sector that is electric technology and mo-
including two of the most modern craft in
nies, the medal ceremonies and indoor sports
bility. The event is organised by the World Electric Vehicle Associa-
the company fleet, will pick up passengers in
(ice hockey, skating and curling) competitions;
tion (WEVA), which will stage the EVS25 symposium in Shenzhen
Barcelona next season. Moreover, MSC Cruises
and the Pyrenees, where all the other events
(China), whilst EVS26 will take place in Los Angeles (California,
also announced that, for the first time, the
will take place.
USA) in mid-2012. Finally, when the event returns to Europe, Barce-
company’s ships will also dock at the Port of
Barcelona-Pyrenees will also have to fight off
lona has been chosen to host the 27th edition of this exhibition.
Palamós.
competition from bids put forward by the likes
Not only professionals, but also users and ordinary citizens will
of New Zealand, Romania and Canada.
also find much of interest at the show, as it includes a section
Committee (IOC) meeting in 2014, whilst the final
More info: http://w1.bcn.cat/candidatura2022
More info: http://www.msccruceros.es
where manufacturers can exhibit and test drive their vehicles.
Headquarters of the Secretariat for the “Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean”
More info: http://www.avele.org http://www.evs25.org
“Do it in Barcelona” wins Eurocities Awards 2010 The Deputy Mayor of Barcelona, Jordi William
and demand in this sector by enabling the
The Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean (UpM) is an international organisation set up to promote cooperation and the development of international relations. Its members include all 43 Mediterranean countries.
members of official associations to advertise
The new headquarters of the UpM, which was established in
ropean cities which each year gives awards to
their offers. The application will help users to
2008 in Paris and Marseilles, will be in Barcelona. The Catalan
the activities and programmes carried out by
find commercial premises, offices, business
capital was selected as to host the Secretariat for the “Bar-
its more than 140 member cities. The innova-
centres and industrial units throughout the
celona Process: Union for the Mediterranean” organisation at
tion category recognizes activity planning and
city of Barcelona, whether they are seeking to
the Euro-Med Conference of Ministers of Foreign Affairs. This
implementation by local authorities. “Do it in
purchase or only to rent.
Secretariat will play a key role in the institutional architecture,
Barcelona” is an initiative addressed at highly
More info: http://www.barcelonactiva.cat/ espaisdenegoci/es
identifying, monitoring and promoting projects and recruiting
qualified people aged between 24 and 25 who
members.
are looking to work in the city.
New property search engine for Business Spaces The new search engine will connect supply
More info: http://www.ufmsecretariat.org/en
Carnes, picked up the Eurocities Awards 2010 Innovation Award on behalf of the city for the “Do it in Barcelona” programme run by the City Council. Eurocities is a network of major Eu-
More info: http://www.doitinbcn.com
Barcelona Good News
Barcelona is among the 30 Spanish cities
The CMT opens new headquarters
BCN HIGHLIGHTS
‘city of science and innovation’
Barcelona Good News
4
Top city for
business
After the release of the 2010 European Cities Monitor (ECM), Barcelona can feel proud of mantaining its position amongst the best cities for business in Europe. Topped only by the political and economic capitals of the EU, the city remains strong thanks to the creativeness and the professionalism of its local and foreign inhabitants. By Toni Güell access to markets and customers; pres-
manager of the consulting firm Cush-
Europe talks about Barcelona
man & Wakefield in Barcelona, said
This is precisely the case of the European
munications and presence of transport
that the Catalan capital continues to
Cities Monitor (ECM). On the world stage,
routes toward other cities and abroad.
enjoy a very good image on the Europe-
the movement of capital and talented
With its study for 2010, the ECM has
an stage as an ideal city for business,
people is accelerating at an increasingly
reached its twenty-first year, and if we
but also pointed out that this idea is
faster pace, and therefore requires valid
wish to make an appropriate evaluation
not widespread at all among the city’s
references; among them, ECM is one
of Barcelona’s fifth position, we need to
inhabitants.
of the most often consulted. The index
stress that the index has been topped
Nevertheless, the fact remains that
is the result of the work commissioned
by London, Paris and Frankfurt since
Barcelona is at the top of the rankings
by consulting firm Cushman & Wake-
its creation. Of course this shouldn’t
that evaluate cities as being suitable
field to TNS BRMB, and was created via
surprise anyone: the first two are the
for economic life. Moreover, the results
interviews with 500 senior managers at
capitals of two of the richest and stron-
of this ranking don’t just come from
leading companies from the Old Con-
gest countries in the European Union
cold statistics, but is also a result of
tinent. In its successive years, the four
and the international scene, and the
the opinions expressed directly by
factors considered most important for
third is not only the financial capital of
business-owners and professionals
these guidelines when deciding in which
the Union itself (the ECB is located there)
from across the continent.
city to set up business have been: ease of
but also of a Germany whose economic
A few weeks ago, Oriol Barrachina,
ence of skilled labour; quality of telecom-
STANDING OUT Barcelona Good News
5
Christopher Columbus statue in barcelona, his hands is pointing to the americas. Š Roberto A Sanchez by Istockphoto
Barcelona Good News
6 The international economic crisis, an opportunity
power is demonstrated by having five
reflected in facts that can be translated
economic and entrepreneurial life, and
of its cities among the top fifteen of the
into figures. The Barcelona of universal
here it is necessary to highlight the ar-
ECM (Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich, Düssel-
exhibitions, the Barcelona of the 1992
rival of the high-speed train (AVE) and
dorf and Hamburg). Furthermore, the city
Olympic Games and Barcelona as a
the opening of terminal T-1 at Barce-
New ways make it easier to establish
that takes the fourth position (occupied
capital of design (among other things)
lona-El Prat Airport, as both projects
your business in Barcelona
by Barcelona in 2009) is Brussels, which,
for the 21st century are interlinked by a
improve competitiveness and elevate
similarly to Washington, D.C. in the
common thread that is shown when you
Barcelona, the metropolitan area and
32% of office rental contracts in the
United States, enjoys the unbeatable
look at the data closely. For example, the
Catalonia as a whole to the first level on
city centre. 112 contracts signed in the
advantage of being the headquarters
fact that 7.5% of the inhabitants set up
the international scale. This comes in
Eixample district. 24% fall in the price
of the main bodies of the EU, as well as
their business in Barcelona means that
addition to other city assets that have
of office rental. 52,254 square metres
the political home of NATO. This implies
the city has a greater rate of entrepre-
been functioning at an excellent level
of office space rented in the last six
a great centre of attraction for lobbies
neurship by population than Germany,
for longer, such as the port. In 2009, the
months. European city with the sixth-
as well as all types of companies and
France, the Netherlands, the United
Port of Barcelona was the leader in the
best relation between quality and price
businesses.
Kingdom and the OECD average.
Mediterranean and the fourth in the
for offices. €333 per square metre.
On this basis, and also taking account
Barcelona is one of the 15 cities with
of the power and resources of other
cheapest office rentals. It is cheaper
capitals and major cities of European
The ratings come from cold statistics as well as from the opinions expressed directly by businessowners and professionals from across the continent
world in terms of cruise ship traffic. In July 2010, around 1.1 million tourists passed through its facilities, meaning an increase of 11.2% on the previous
than in London, Paris, Frankfurt and
countries, Barcelona’s fifth position in
Brussels and 33% cheaper than
the ECM 2010 edition has even greater
the average for the world’s major
value. In fact, Barcelona only fell by one
cities. Barcelona has responded to
hundredth (0.01) of its final score from
the economic crisis with the largest
2009, and has come in fourth or fifth
investment in its history: €1.028 billion
since 2005. All this can only be indicative
In 2009 Barcelona attracted a total of
Barcelona’s 2008 report) such as the
in 2009 and €836 million in 2010
of a dynamism inscribed in the DNA of
153 investment projects from abroad.
business penetration of new technolo-
the city, and by extension, its inhabitants.
This magnetic effect of the region is
gies. Here, the percentage of companies
combined with the role that the city
with broadband and that sell and buy
has played historically. Therefore, by
over the Internet are evaluated. Cata-
Barcelona is the second-best city at
combining the efforts of different cen-
lan firms obtain scores that fall in line
business promotion in 2010, while in
tres, Catalonia took sixth place among
or are above the European average.
2009 it was the first. Communication
the European regions that attract most
Barcelona has the third-largest per-
makes sense, because giving the city
foreign investment in 2008, after the
centage of people employed in creative
a positive image abroad really attracts
regions of London, Paris, Düsseldorf,
sectors (12%) and it occupies a com-
wealth. But Barcelona’s creative person-
Madrid and Dublin.
mendable number 21 in the world in
ality is not merely a question of dis-
In addition, the city is making continu-
terms of scientific production. In 2007,
course and its entrepreneurial character
ous efforts to set up infrastructure that
Catalonia was the European region with
is not a legendary quality; both are
keep it connected with international
the fifth-largest population working in
Sensations… and data
year. Looking beyond infrastructure, it seems appropriate to refer to data (most of which were provided by Observatorio
STANDING OUT science and technology (11%, which
It is also important to cross-reference
from Observatorio Barcelona, 43% of
direct jobs in 2011. This dynamic is fully
corresponds to almost 600,000 people).
the data on quality of life with living
Catalan companies foresee a growth in
in tune with the needs of not just the
expenses and income levels. While
exports in the near future. Exports from
city, but of the continent as a whole, and
Quality of life
Barcelona has a high quality of life, the
Catalunya already represent 26% of
proof of this are the words spoken last
For the thirteenth consecutive year,
professionals who establish or con-
overall Spanish exports in 2009.
8 April by the European Commissioner
European executives surveyed in 2009
tinue their careers in Barcelona should
for the ECM chose Barcelona as the
know that it has fallen seven important
best European city in terms of quality of
positions and settled at thirty-eighth
life for workers, above Geneva, Munich,
in the world in terms of living expenses
Oslo and Madrid. But this concept is not
(the first is the most expensive, with
always subject to proper understand-
Barcelona coming from the thirty-first
ing; as the aforementioned manager
position). They can also rest assured
of Cushman & Wakefield in Barcelona
that while the Spanish economic crisis
indicates, the concept of quality of life
has been particularly pronounced,
should not be linked with a stereotype
salaries in Barcelona are average for
of parties and sangria, nor only with the
similar large cities in the world (specifi-
In its territorial leadership role, the
generate knowledge and skilled labour
climate. Attracting the best profession-
cally, number 29 out of a total of 49, and
city is also immersed in changes
that are valued highly by international
als is because of many features of the
above Milan, Lisbon and Rome).
to its economic model. With this
investors when deciding where to set
aim in mind, it faces challenges in
up their business. Catalonia’s universi-
city, such as its size and its inhabitants’
But Barcelona’s creative personality is not merely a question of discourse and its entrepreneurial character is not a legendary quality; both are reflected in facts that can be translated into figures
Androulla Vassiliou in Barcelona, according to whom one out of every three jobs created in the European Union between 2010 and 2020 will be highlyskilled. However, it is fair to remember that the commitment to high-level training and professionalism is not a recent development in the city. Barcelona’s prestigious educational institutions
many initiatives that fill everyday life in
Continuous improvement
terms of innovation, training and
ties (such as the University of Barcelona
Barcelona, like its wide-ranging cultural
As noted above, Barcelona’s excellence
internationalisation, in addition to
(UB), Polytechnic University of Cata-
and leisure offering and work habits.
in attracting investment and wealth is
public-private collaboration. On
lonia (UPC), Pompeu Fabra University
Quality of life, ease of access thanks to
by no means a matter that can be re-
several occasions, the Deputy Mayor
(UPF), the University of Lleida (UdL),
the presence of necessary infrastruc-
duced to discourse or marketing, nor to
and President of 22@Barcelona, Jordi
the University of Rovira i Virgili (URV)
ture and other variables interact to
favourable climatic conditions. Indeed,
William Carnes, has indicated that in
and Ramon Llull University (URL)) keep
generate even more data to show Bar-
it hinges on continuous effort led by all
the next few years, the city will need
gaining international recognition; this
celona leads international rankings. For
the city’s inhabitants, businesses and
to promote quality employment and a
year, most of these universities received
example, take the fact that in 2010 it is
institutions (in fact, Barcelona is one
new production model that will have to
the distinction Campus of International
where the world’s second-largest num-
of the top ten European cities in terms
manage the Barcelona brand effectively,
Excellence 2010. Moreover, Barcelona is
ber of meetings are held (after Vienna),
of government-generated business-
boost public-private collaboration and
the only European city with two schools
according to the International Congress
friendly environments); an effort that
strengthen connectivity.
in the European top ten for manage-
and Convention Association. Likewise,
moves forward thanks to recognition
In the same vein, the Catalan capital
ment training. ESADE and IESE, its two
according to the Union of International
of opportunities for improvement. For
is one of the main stages for promot-
business schools, respectively come in
Associations, Barcelona held 10.3%
example, exports are one area in which
ing the Quality Employment Pact (POC),
eighth and fourth in the Financial Times’
more conventions in 2008 than in the
these developments could occur, and it
which was signed in Barcelona in 2008
European ranking and beat the schools
previous year.
is no coincidence that according to data
and is expected to create about 7,500
of London, Rotterdam and Milan.
Barcelona in the rankings Scorecard on Prosperity 2010 (Toronto Board of Trade)
3rd city in the overall ranking 1st city in the labour
attractiveness ranking
European cities and regions of the future 2010-2011 (fDi Magazine)
5th 1st 4th 4th
European city city in the south of Europe city in human resources city in infrastructure
Barcelona Good News
7
22@barcelona, a decade of economic growth With respect to promoting and attracting local and foreign investment and economic activity in the city, ten years ago Barcelona began a comprehensive project that is now well known and produces tangible results. Aimed at regenerating the economy and infrastructure of an entire area of the city, and to reposition it to better compete on the world urban stage, Barcelona equipped the neighbourhood of Poblenou to meet the needs of the 21st century. Today, this part of the city dedicates 200 hectares to the work of five clusters in the knowledge economy (media, ICTs, medical technologies, design and energy) in which the city has the potential for international leadership. While the death throes of the worst economic crisis in 70 years are still showing up in newspaper headlines, Barcelona’s innovation district has 10 years of economic
Barcelona Good News
8
growth behind it and since 2000 has created 4,500 companies and 56,000 workers. Its business volume has reached nearly barcelona is strongly promoting the
€9 billion.
non-polluting transport in the city, trying to improve its level of sustainability © Carlota Prats by BPMOphoto
The technology district promotes knowledge-intensive activities, which have a high added value. To attain its objectives, 22@Barcelona brings together 10 universities, 12 R&D centres and technology transfer centres, companies,
Significant progress
strength as an attractive destination
investors and institutions in a single urban space, and strives
As indicated above, Barcelona’s
because even with El Prat’s decrease
so that all these stakeholders can have close relations that
position in Europe’s science-related
in tourist traffic, it was more than
give rise to what are usually leading international business
economic landscape is experiencing
at the airports of Paris, Zurich and
initiatives. Ten years after it was created, the work to
a phase of growth. Catalonia was the
Dublin. There are undoubted signs that
promote this project continues in force in programmes
European region with the fifth-highest
these figures will soon reach higher
such as “Do it in Barcelona”, which develops the strategy of
level of employment in science and
levels. On the one hand, in 2010 El Prat
making it easier for entrepreneurial, creative and research-
technology in 2003-2008, and Barce-
added 4 intercontinental routes to the
oriented talent to develop its business in Barcelona.
lona held the sixth position in Europe
existing 24. Moreover, the airport of
However, we must not forget that the reality of 22@Barcelona
and the fifteenth worldwide in terms of
Barcelona was considered the best
also entails more than substantial improvements in terms of
scientific production in 2009. This year,
in Europe by the ACE EUROPE 2010
facilities (sustainability, waste collection, Internet access,
the number of scientific publications
awards.
green areas) and housing (socially protected, traditional
reached 12,211. Logically, one of the
Speaking of large metropolises, it is
housing, lofts in renovated industrial buildings, flats for
main methods for transforming scien-
clear that the decision to set a busi-
temporary rental linked with the companies, hotels), and
tific potential into economic progress
ness up can also depend on levels of
that the Industrial Heritage Protection Plan has helped to
is patent registration. Starting from a
sustainability, waste treatment and
conserve 114 architectural elements of interest that place the
positive base (there were 392 tech-
similar variables. In terms of environ-
history of the district within the sight of all.
nological patents in 2007), this is a
mental pollution, Barcelona does well
path which Barcelona and the Catalan
once again by taking thirteenth place, a
22@Barcelona is committed to a compact, diverse and
economy continue to follow.
one-place improvement with respect to
balanced city model, and in fact the success of this model
2009 that offers glimpses of new devel-
has turned it into an international point of reference for
opments in the years to come, especial-
urban regeneration. The knowledge accumulated from the
ly given the promotion of non-polluting
experience in the Sant Martí district has created prestige and
public transport in Barcelona.
led to the beginning of its exportation to other parts of the
In summary, the performance of Bar-
city of Barcelona such as La Sagrera and Marina, and even to
celona, as well as that of other cities of
other countries. This is the case, for example, of Cape Town,
southern Europe, remains very positive
South Africa, which last year signed an agreement to launch
As for the airport, since 2004 El Prat
despite the compromising situation
the process to import the 22@Barcelona model.
has held the ninth position in the Eu-
that the world economy has undergone
ropean ranking for passenger volume.
(and, in a certain way, is still undergo-
Barcelona has given a decisive boost
ing) in recent months.
Other figures:
to its international connectivity with
To sum up, Barcelona’s performance
3 out of every 4 companies in the district develop their
the construction of the T-1, and is now
and that of other cities in Southern
activities in knowledge-intensive and technology-intensive
considering the need to bring the Cer-
Europe remains positive despite the
sectors. In Catalonia as a whole, this percentage is 58%.
canías commuter rail network to the
ravages of the credit crisis of 2008 and
72.5% of the companies’ workers have university degrees.
terminal to support future transport
2009, which continues today. Barcelo-
67% of the companies located in 22@Barcelona think
in the city. Last year, traffic through El
na, with its strong brand, creativity and
that their company’s situation will improve next year; only
Prat amounted to 27.3 million passen-
innovation, is showing the way forward
13% believe that the general economic situation will have
gers (59% of which were international)
and pulling others in the region up to.
worsened in a year. Of the 4,000 officially protected housing
and the tourist quota dropped by
This process is expected to continue
units planned in the entire field of action, 998 are built and
9.7% over 2008. While this is a factor
over the next years with this city setting
583 are under construction.
to improve, it does reflect Barcelona’s
the pace.
Barcelona’s position in Europe’s science-related economic landscape is experiencing a phase of growth
BARCELONA WORLD
Facts and Figures Barcelona is amongst the top ten urban areas in Europe. This article highlights some of the main economic facts and figures that helped to define the city in 2009 and 2010.
The employment market is endowed with both critical mass and qualified human capital
The business property market is highly competitive
The economy is open and connected to the world
• The city provides more than one million jobs, the
· Barcelona Metropolitan
• More than 3,400 foreign
metropolitan area nearly 2.5 million. Rates of
Region devotes 7 million
companies are located in
Barcelona is an international reference for tourism and organising trade fairs and congresses
activity and employment in Barcelona (79.2% and
square metres to high added
Catalonia, and our country
• The city received 6.5 million
• With 16,650 companies and
65.6% respectively) are higher than the Catalan,
value economic activities
received a total of €1.804
visitors in 2009, with 12.8
151,724 jobs, commerce is
Spanish and European averages.
(nanotechnology, medical
billion in direct foreign
million bed nights at its
one of the most important
technologies, energy,
investment (DFI) in 2009. That
wide range of quality hotels.
sectors of activity within the
rankings, two Barcelona business schools –IESE
aerospace, optics and
same year, Catalan companies
Foreigners accounted for 69%
city’s economic structure.
and ESADE– are amongst the leading 10 in Europe
photonics, among others),
made foreign investments
and the world top 20.
with the capacity to generate
totalling around €1.374 billion.
• Barcelona is second in the
• Barcelona generates one-fifth
world ranking of trade fair
area of over 200,000 square
and congress locations, with
metres, generate €1 billion in
a total area of 280,000 square
economic impact.
• According to the Financial Times 2010 MBA
more than 200,000 new Barcelona leads Spain’s advance towards a
strategic jobs in the three
of all Spanish exports.
knowledge economy
areas of activity that form
• In 2009, Barcelona’s was
• 23% of Spanish innovative enterprises are based
of visitors.
Barcelona is committed to a model of commerce based on quality, diversity and proximity
• Barcelona’s municipal markets, which occupy a total
the Barcelona Economic
the ninth-busiest European
metres of indoor exhibition
in Catalonia, which also account for 19% of total
Triangle, as well as providing
airport in terms of passenger
space and nearly 3 million
Barcelona is the leading
State spending on innovative activities.
the catalyst for other
traffic, handling more than
visitors in 2009.
European city for quality of life
• Catalonia’s focus on promoting research in
projects revolving around the
27.3 million passengers.
• In 2010, for the thirteenth
recent years has greatly increased spending on
knowledge economy and which
• The Port of Barcelona was
R&D, which reached 1.6% of GDP in 2008, whilst
offer excellent business and
ranked 12th amongst European
once more occupied first place
the number of people working in research and
investment opportunities.
ports in terms of container
in the ranking of European
traffic in 2009.
cities in terms of quality of life
development has risen to over 46,500. • There were 210 technology parks and technology
consecutive year, Barcelona
• The Barcelona-Madrid bullet
for employees, according to
and research centres in the Barcelona area in
train (AVE) carried 2.7 million
the European Cities Monitor
2010, as well as 9 science and technology facilities
passengers in its second year
(Cushman & Wakefield).
of international standing.
of operation.
Despite the crisis, Barcelona is entrepreneurial
458,918 6.7% Barcelona houses the
The rate of entrepreneurial
6,233
26%
2010
35
headquarters of 458,918
activity surpasses that of
in Barcelona in 2009, and
regeneration (which measures
received the Entrepreneurial
Entrepreneurship Monitor
companies, 14% of all the
other countries with success-
the city is at the top of the
the rate of companies
Region Award 2010 from
on Catalonia, the average
companies in Spain.
ful business traditions like
rankings for companies
closing versus those of new
the EU Committee of the
Barcelona entrepreneur
Finland and Germany, along
created per 1,000
creation) is more favourable
Regions.
is an employed male with
with the European (5.8%) and
inhabitants among large
in Barcelona Province (26%)
university studies under 35
Spanish (5.1%) averages.
urban areas in Spain.
than in Catalonia (39%), the
years of age.
companies were created
The ratio of business
European Union (49%) and Spain (62%).
This year Catalonia has
According to the 2009 Global
Barcelona Good News
9
Antoni Giró, UPC rector
Barcelona Good News
10 © Lluís Bernat by BPMOphoto
Spotlight on
“We have strengthened the Technology Transfer Centre, which helps us to generate new research projects” Antoni Giró, UPC rector since 2006, has been reelected this year to hold the position for another four years, which will be his second and final term. We spoke to him about the future of the UPC. By Toni poncE
Barcelona Good News
11
With the perspective you have gained over these four years, how would you evaluate the progress of the UPC over this period?
students dedicate to working than on teaching hours. This
The four years of this first term have been very intense, but very
of the possibilities offered by IT applications such as Atenea
The knowledge and research value chain
positive. I think we have taken a qualitative leap forward in
to create adapted materials and at the same time to encour-
“We are resolved to value research.
every sphere.
age as much as possible dialogue with students. These are
We have strengthened the Technology
These four years were devoted, among other things, to integrat-
not things we are making up as we go along, but rather are
Transfer Centre, which helps us to
ing our programs into the framework of the European Higher
part of a clear strategy that the research and teaching teams
generate new research projects. We
Education Area (EHEA). From a teaching standpoint, we were
have been incorporating into their work and developing. This
have created a Patent Office to support
able to make a smooth transition to the EHEA, but it wasn’t easy.
way, while one group carries out a task, another modifies lab
our staff when applying for patents.
practices, another works on changes to the working groups,
We have the Innova programme, which
another on the final research projects, etc., and when all
provides advice for those wishing to
of this is posted on the web publicly, it helps to enrich our
create companies. And we have recently
teaching and to give shape to the changes we are making and
opened the UPC’s Technological
consolidate them. You can’t expect there to be a huge trans-
Innovation Centre in order to help
formation overnight.
channel companies’ requests for
One of your defining characteristics is your innovative spirit, as you have shown through your leadership as a teacher and as a researcher working on several projects. As UPC rector, do you think applying this desire to innovate is compatible with everyday management tasks? I would say that more than being an innovator I have taken full advantage of my detailed knowledge of the administration and of management in order to optimise resources and to be able to raise and manage the funds from several different investment plans. It is clear that research is one thing and
means that a large portion of our teaching materials must also be changed. I think it is important to take full advantage
“It is important to take full advantage of the possibilities offered by IT applications to create adapted materials and at the same time to encourage as much as possible dialogue with students”
management is another, and they are very different. But it’s
research”.
Clear accounts Antoni Giró began his work as rector with a predicted déficit that reached the level of €21 million, and ended up closing that first year with €13.5 million in losses. The following year,
The team I have working with me is a very strong one. And
The implementation of the changes brought about by the EHEA is coming to an end during your term. What is your assessment of this change in the model at the UPC?
that is critically important, because the rector can’t do every-
What we have done during this term has been to set out the
surplus of €2 million had the Catalan
thing. The key to success also lies with the team you have, as
specifics of the EHEA, but it was just last year that we have
government carried out its original
well as with everyone who works at the university every day.
begun the new degree programmes, as we already had a wide
financial plan.
true that having experience with research can help you to be more creative as a manager. However, what really characterises the job of a manager is work, work and more work!
range of Master’s programmes on offer.
the deficit decreased to €3.5 million, and the next to €0.5 million. Last year the result would have been a
were definitively adapted to the framework of the EHEA. That
The UPC, open to the world
is why we are introducing the new methodologies in each
For the 2010-2011 academic year, the
academic term.
UPC is offering 60 university Master’s
Currently, and regarding teaching, the change in teaching
Over the next four years the changes will be monitored and
programmes, 20 of which are offered in
methodology that we need to enact is crucial. The EHEA
consolidated. To sum up, these past four years have been
English so as to facilitate the arrival of
does not consist only of the harmonisation of programs of
ones of adaptation, and the coming four years will be of con-
international students.
study, but also of a need to focus learning more on the time
solidation. That is the task we have before us now.
During your career you have also combined work as a teacher with management positions. With the experience you have amassed as rector, what has changed? What remains to be changed?
But it was this year, in October, when the UPC’s programmes
Spotlight on
© Lluís Bernat by BPMOphoto
Barcelona Good News
12
issue I mentioned earlier, the most positive aspect of the
four years. He has a degree and a
This change must also be accompanied by increased investment and support that should come as a result of the university’s recent designation as a Campus of International Excellence (CIE), but will it be enough to meet the goals that have been set?
doctorate in Physics from the UB
Unfortunately, our success in getting that recognition
universities in order to share projects and new services for
and has been a professor at the
coincided with the cuts in investments that the Catalan
students, and to improve signage in the area, especially in the
Rovira i Virgili University (1971-77),
government has been forced to make as a result of the
outdoor area of the Diagonal Campus.
the University of Barcelona (1978-
recession. The monies coming in thanks to the CIE will be
The area’s outward appearance was not a reflection of the
82) and the UPC, since 1983, as
used to make up for this lack of investment and will allow
scientific work that was being carried out within the buildings.
the Applied Physics department
us to be less affected by the spending cuts. Even so, the
A campus of the highest scientific productivity should also
head. He was the general manager
leap forward that we had envisioned as a result of the Cam-
project an image of excellence to the world.
of Research, the vice-president of
pus of International Excellence project has been somewhat
CIRIT and the general manager
undercut. Part of the funding from the CIE will be used to
of Universities in the Ministry of
improve and adapt classrooms to the new teaching meth-
Universities, Research and the
odologies called for by the EHEA, especially spaces on the
Continuing education is among the areas you have been emphasising. What is you assessment of its role in the university?
Information Society of the Catalan
Campus Nord.
Continuing education is going to take on a more and more
government for seven years.
This year, in the new contest to further strengthen the
important role. In the EHEA system, the cyclical structure
Campus of International Excellence, we have again asked
has meant the creation of a growing number of degrees
for resources for the project, and so I hope that the project,
and university Master’s programmes, which means that
for which we received recognition along with the University
students will be given an ever more diversified education.
of Barcelona in the university area around Diagonal,
However, it will be necessary during professional careers to
becomes even more consolidated.
refresh knowledge continuously. A single educational pro-
ANTONI GIRÓ ROCA Antoni Giró (Reus, 1949), has been the rector of the UPC since 2006 and will hold the job for another
participation in the CIE has been an increase in contact and dialogue with the UB. The CIE is more than anything else a geographic campus located around Diagonal. It has spurred us into dialogue and agreements on future joint undertakings between the two
gram that lasts your whole life no longer exists. In today’s
One of the university’s chief assets in the CIE contest was Barcelona Knowledge Campus Project. What can you tell us about it?
world knowledge becomes obsolete quickly, faster in some
BKC was the name we gave to the project that the University
combination of distance learning and classes and time-
of Barcelona (UB) and the UPC entered for the Campus of
tables that make it possible to combine studies and work
International Excellence contest. Apart from the funding
for those who are already in the workplace.
fields than in others, and we have to bear this in mind. That’s why our continuing education programmes include a
In 1841 the French technician, Charles Lebon, and
From gas lighting to electricity
the financier, Pere Gil, won the public tender to provide Barcelona with gas lighting, the first of its kind in Spain. Construction began on the country’s first gas production plant in the Barceloneta neighbourhood near the port, using coal as the
WIDE ANGLE
1841: the beginnings
GAS NATURAL FENOSA
raw material. The following year, the first gas-lit
More than 150 years’ experience vouch for Gas Natural Fenosa, a company created in 1843 to provide the city of Barcelona with gas-lit streetlamps. Today, the Gas Natural Fenosa Group is the leading firm on the Iberian Peninsula combining both gas and electricity and amongst the top ten European public utilities, with a presence in more than 23 countries and more than 20 million clients around the world.
streetlamps were in place. The first activities carried out by the company, Sociedad Catalana para el Alumbrado por Gas, founded in 1843, included extending the gas network throughout the city and progressively adding streetlamps as well as finding private clients who wanted this type of lighting in their own homes. The company also began its national expansion shortly thereafter, opening gas plants in Seville and Ferrol. The company joined the Barcelona stock market in 1846, and it is the only company of its type to have remained publicly listed uninterruptedly until this very day. After various changes in name, Sociedad Catalana para el Alumbrado por Gas is today known augurated in 2008, are found on the site of the very first gas plant in Barcelona, Spain.
Looking towards the future The merger between Gas Natural and Unión Fenosa took place in 2009, creating the largest gas and electricity company in Spain and in Latin America, while also making it the leader in natural gas commercialisation on the Iberian Peninsula, the third liquefied natural gas (LNG) operator in the world with a fleet of 13 carriers and the largest distributor of LNG in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
The company, a leader in the distribution sector, has a share in 3 regasification plants (2 more in project), 2 liquefaction plants and different projects in the gas value chain Leveraging its various strengths from a position of leadership is a fundamental pillar for the multinational. Its business model is based around global energy management that is able to compete efficiently in markets that are submitted to an increasing process of integration, globalisation and high competition. The company, a leader in the distribution sector, has a share in 3 regasification plants (2 more in project), 2 liquefaction plants and different projects in the gas value chain.
Historic milestones
1841
1889
1907
1969
1992
2000-2010
Lebon, and financier,Pere
Madrileña de Alumbrado
de Urquijo began con-
through its affiliate with Exxon,
cess of international expan-
electricity on the deregulated Span-
Gil, won the public tender to
y Calefacción por Gas,
struction on the Bolarque
called Gas Natural, began the
sion in 1992, with its entry
ish market, and in 2002 the company
provide Barcelona with gas
consisting of French capital,
hydraulic power plant in
era of natural gas in Spain
into the Argentine market.
began production at Spain’s first
lighting, the first of its kind
entered the Spanish
Guadalajara between the
signing supply contracts with
The group’s process of inter-
combined cycle power plant. After
in Spain. Business activities
electricity market with the
Tagus and Guadiela Rivers.
Libya and Algeria, the con-
nationalisation was intensi-
realizing its goal of uniting gas and
began in 1843 with the task of foundation of the company
The plant was inaugurated
struction of the first Spanish
fied in 1997, when it began
electricity through its acquisition
providing the city of Barcelona Compañía General Madrileña
in 1910 by H.R.H. King
methane carrier featuring cryo-
activities in Brazil, Colombia
of Unión Fenosa in 2009, this year,
with gas street lighting
de Electricidad, the leading
Alfonso XIII, with the power
genic technology, the launch
and Mexico.
2010, the company has launched its
electrical energy firm in the
generated reaching the
of the regasification plant in
country’s capital over the
city of Madrid.
Barcelona and the develop-
French technician, Charles
The company Compañía
following years.
Juan Ron and the Marquis
Catalana de Gas y Electricidad,
ment of the LNG market.
Gas Natural began its pro-
In 2000 the company began to sell
new brand, GAS NATURAL FENOSA.
13 Barcelona Good News
as Gas Natural Fenosa. Its new headquarters, in-
DO IT IN BARCELONA
A doctor specialising in intensive care and anaesthesiology, Italian Gianluigi Li Bassi is amongst Barcelona’s many inhabitants who came here from other countries around the world. In Gianluigi’s case, the main reasons for settling here were professional, but he is quick to insist that he feels quite at home in a friendly city full of places to discover. He only moved here two years ago, but he has clearly already felt the Barcelona experience in all its intensity. Whilst admitting that what brought him here were professional reasons, he names his favourite part of the city without hesitation: El Born, a neighbourhood near the sea, packed with small bars and restaurants where you can enjoy some tapas or a meal with friends. Before taking the final decision to move here, he says, he made a preliminary visit to Barcelona in order to see the laboratory, the city and the people, just to make sure. “I fell in love from the first”, he concludes. In fact, El Born is one of the places he proudly shows friends and relatives who come to visit him from his native Milan. That is because, he says, “in Italy we
Barcelona Good News
14
often have what we call an apéritif after work, and in Barcelona it is such a pleasure to do this near the sea, a real luxury for someone, like me, someone from a city far from the coast”. Apart from its tourist attractions, Gianluigi is particularly struck by the quality of life in the Catalan capital. As he points out, “you can live well on less
Gianluigi Li Bassi “I fell in love with Barcelona from the first”
money than in other European cities such as Milan, Paris or London”. Moreover, he adds, “one thing that people here take for granted is transport, because you can get anywhere in the city in just a short time”. Gianluigi, for example, finds the Bicing bike rental scheme an excellent means of transport for getting to and from work every day.
Daily life Describing his job, Gianluigi says that “50% of my daily work is devoted to research, preparing the animals, experimenting on them and analysing the results”. Added to this is another crucial aspect of research work: comparing his results with those from other studies carried out in Europe and around the world. The other 50% of his working time is spent, basi-
Gianluigi’s Barcelona
cally, in attempting to obtain the resources needed
When it comes to eating out, Gianluigi
to continue research programmes at the depart-
frequents establishments in the El
ment of the Hospital Clínic where he is a researcher,
Born neighbourhood, small bars and
as well as increasing his knowledge of his specialist
restaurants where he also takes his
subjects by attending both national and interna-
friends when they visit him from
tional conferences.
Milan. He is also fond of the many
It was precisely one such conference that led him to
“chiringuitos”, beach bars, where he
take up a post as a researcher in Barcelona in the
often stops for an apéritif and to enjoy
first place. In his own words, “I met Doctor Antoni
the sea views.
Torres from the Hospital Clínic in the United States,
El Parc de les Aigües: in Gianluigi’s
From Milan to the world
words, this park, with its views over
Gianluigi Li Bassi was born in Vimodrone, a town near Milan. Having
Barcelona, is “great for taking walks
studied medicine at Milan University, he began to specialise in
with my dog”.
intensive care and anaesthesiology, largely in the United States, at
Beyond the laboratory
He has not yet visited Montjuïc: “Lots
the National Institute of Health in Maryland. It was here that Gianluigi
Whilst he is clearly passionate about his work,
of my friends who have come to see me
started to research into mechanical ventilation-associated pneumonia,
Gianluigi has no doubts about how best to enjoy
have been, but Montjuïc is one part of
as it has been observed that large numbers of patients report the
his free time in Barcelona. “When I came here from
the city I have yet to discover”.
disease after ventilation treatment.
Milan I brought my dog, a black Labrador, with me,
Outside Barcelona: Sitges is one of
Since then, his professional career has been focused on researching
and I take him for walks around the city’s parks and
Gianluigi’s favourite resorts, not only
into new strategies to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia,
gardens”. He is also a keen swimmer, and is able to
to go to the beach, but also to discover
patenting new tracheal tubes and different positions for patients
enjoy this pastime without having to stray far from
good restaurants.
in order to avoid bacteria entering their lungs. Gianluigi carries out
the Hospital Clínic, whilst when it comes to going
this research on animals in the hope that his discoveries will later be
out with friends what he likes best is to have a drink
applied to human patients. “Barcelona is the only place in the world
and something to eat near the sea front so that he
where there is animal testing in my specialist area”, he notes.
can enjoy the view.
and that is what paved the way to my ending up doing research work here”.
Moscow
networking
8-31 March 2011: Business Bridge to Russia (Moscow). Russia will be especially focused on Spain in 2011, with events that include a mini-expo in Red Square exhibiting Spain as an innovative country to live in. As part of the schedule for the exhibition, a delegation from Barcelona Chamber of Commerce and the city’s Economic Promotion and Tourism Departments will participate in different gatherings and meetings aimed at developing Russian business relationships and investment in Barcelona.
More information: www.bcn.cat/barcelonabusiness
15
international community In 2011, Barcelona’s international community will have the opportunity to take part in 15 meetings. Barcelona City Council’s Economic Promotion Area and Gild International have signed a collaboration agreement to promote Barcelona’s economy abroad and boost the city’s international business community by holding joint promotional activities. Over the next year, Barcelona City Council will organise 15 meetings, mainly held at the club and other local venues, on the economy with business breakfasts, seminars, general economic presentations and networking activities. Gild International is a new kind of business club, bringing together local and international senior management, business professionals and entrepreneurs under one roof at its Barcelona headquarters. The club has 200 members, as well as companies and institutions like Barcelona City Council and Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, which are working toward the internationalisation of the city.
More information: www.gildinternational.com
Biznetbarcelona Barcelona Activa is promoting biznetbarcelona, a new 2.0 social networking channel aimed at entrepreneurs and designed to create a space for professional exchanges and networking on the Internet. This open platform is available to all organisations, institutions and associations that promote entrepreneurship, business growth, innovation and internationalisation intended to increase the size of the community and the relations between members. The tool, like others with similar functions on the Internet, will display a schedule of business events and activities. Users will be able to ask questions and get answers on how to start and run a company, as well as forming specialised groups. At present, more than 1,000 companies have joined the network.
More information: www.biznetbcn.com
Barcelona Good News
International affairs
Promoting the city worldwide and supporting the internationalisation of companies in Barcelona
We present three interesting initiatives centred on our city and the economic and business network surrounding it.
top secret
discovering hidden places in the city
Stores are reinventing themselves
1
Barcelona Good News
16
2
3
Businesses as we know them are beginning to become obsolete. The yoghurt manufacturer Danone Barcelona on Avenida Diagonal, the concept store Cooked in Barcelona at Illa Diagonal and the Roca Barcelona Gallery at Les Corts show that innovation can give a new twist to the concept of a store.
Danone Barcelona
Nutrition, training, wellbeing and tradition In its first year of operations, Danone Barcelona, also known as Casa Danone, served 35,000 people who had been inspired by this combination of the
4 from left to right: 1: Casa danone
2:cooked clothes ready to go 3,4: the roca barcelona gallery
Further information:
placed inside refrigerators help them to
and sustainability, putting architecture
Avda. Diagonal, 477, Barcelona
see fashion as hot off the grill. Everything
in the service of Roca’s settings and
Tel. (+34) 934 109 091
in its concept stores is consistent with
products. Based on glass, the structure
www.danone.es
the team of creators’ original idea that
of this “lightbox” houses 4,200 LEDs and
the shopping experience should be
plays with transparencies by appearing
unique, and that customers can even
to be a large showcase from the outside.
Cooked in Barcelona
Delicious clothing ready to eat
check the availability of clothing, colours and sizes through Radio Frequency
Interactivity
Identification (RFID) screens and
Its 2,400 m2 interior across three
technology. Its products can be found
floors guarantees an experience for
in its shop at Illa Diagonal, in national
the senses that engages visitors
multi-brand stores and in the near future
through interactivity, innovation
A multinational company historically
The Mediterranean, simmering gourmet
in San Francisco and Milan as part of
and modern audiovisual, sound and
linked with Barcelona from the
dishes with the right ingredients,
the ambitious expansion project that is
lighting equipment. Interactive touch
beginning, Danone chose our city to set
Barcelona, open-air markets like
currently underway.
tables, 3D projections, a zone-based
up its first complex open to the general
La Boquería… these are Cooked in
Further information:
detection system and a wide array of
public as a unique place for promoting
Barcelona’s sources of inspiration for
Illa Diagonal: Avda. Diagonal, 557, local
touch screens make for an interior
healthy eating and lifestyle habits.
designing its trousers, jackets and
0-7, Barcelona
open to experimentation. As part of
This 300 m2 multipurpose complex
accessories and for the concept of its
Tel. (+34) 934 951 149
its role as a cultural centre we find
has already served 115,000 yoghurts
store in the Illa Diagonal shopping centre.
www.cookedinbarcelona.com
areas for exhibitions, for discussions,
and frozen yoghurts to its guests, but
With five years behind it, this company
for spreading the brand’s values and
has not limited itself to being a simple
uses creativity to design select products
recounting its evolution and milestones,
yoghurt shop. Throughout this time,
that follow the latest trends. Its creators
it has also served as a platform for
speak of a “high cuisine of fashion”,
spreading good habits and telling the
now that Jordi Armengol and Xavier
history of the company.
Subirats have given a new image to its
food industry, knowledge and tradition.
Multifunctional
clothing based on the family tradition of manufacturing trousers. Combining
Roca Barcelona Gallery
Vitally experiencing a brand
as well as a sampling of Roca’s most avant-garde products, a lounge area, bathrooms, an online consultation area and a programme for designing your own bathroom. Roca Barcelona Gallery is the first of these “places for
The complex is divided into four
trends with the old way of working, they
Roca Barcelona Gallery is the
experimentation” that the company
sections: a restaurant with healthy
put out yearly collections that undergo
multinational company’s flagship
plans to open in the main cities of the
dishes at affordable prices where
rigorous washing and ironing tests to
building in our country. Originating in
world, while it has already received major
yoghurt is the most common ingredient;
guarantee freshness and innovation.
Catalonia, the company is the world
awards at the international level.
leader in defining and designing
Further information:
bathrooms, a reason for which it decided
Joan Güell, 211-213, Barcelona
a training room for hosting seminars on nutrition and healthy cooking, which is
Recently cooked
also used to give presentations about
In its stores, customers see that the
to pour its passion for innovation into
Tel. (+34) 933 661 212
the company; an area dedicated to
clothes have their own life: textile
a building that represents its values.
www.rocabarcelonagallery.com
memories in which you can find pieces
keyboards in pockets and sleeves for
Located on Calle Joan Güell, the building
that are symbolic of the history of the
controlling an iPod, old and technological
was designed in the architectural studio
company, such as delivery vehicles,
materials, seams and cuts with
Office of Architecture in Barcelona (OAB)
signage, etc.; and last but not least, a
personality and the ubiquitous denim
by the prestigious family of architects
yoghurt shop that welcomes visitors to
blue are some signs of its identity. The
formed by Borja, Carlos and Lucía
the complex and where they can enjoy a
products’ packaging brings to customers
Ferrater. The result is a place that uses
recently made yoghurt with the topping
the freshness that began in its
some elements with which the company
of their choice.
laboratories: transparent food containers
best identifies, such as water, innovation
5
Barcelona, entrepreneurial capital In June this year, CFLabs, the computer forensics laboratories, received the Barcelona Entrepreneurial Capital Award in the Business Plans Competition category. This accolade rightly recognises the work of a company that is committed to innovation and to cooperating with the university world.
zoom In
CFLabs
Moreover, CFLabs has adopted permanent innovation as part of the company’s route map, and has become exclusively devoted to operating as a forensic R&D&i centre whose main clients are public bodies and institutions. Throughout its trajectory, CFLabs has been able to cooperate actively with organisations of the highest standing. CFLabs also stands out for its social commitment, contributing to the fight against fraud and cybercrime and providing clients with a comprehensive portfolio of services to this end, covering the entire range, from reactive to preventive intervention.
Key cooperation
A city with talent
Cooperation with universities and
Why has CFLabs chosen Barcelona
industry is an important pillar in the
as its operations centre? “Because
development of any country’s science
it brings us a lot of reach abroad,
systems and also provides the basis
mainly through its focus on Europe”,
for the consolidation of booming sec-
explains Director of Operations, Oriol
information assets in M&A.
tors that contribute to economic and
Rosés. “Plus a great incentive when it
CFLabs provides services to businesses, lawyers, auditors, consultants, private investigators and governmental organisations, amongst others, offering its technical and legal standing to resolve conflicts and detect fraud involving digital media.
social growth to the benefit of the
came to locating our headquarters in
population.
Barcelona is the way in which the city
Added value The Barcelona Entrepreneurial Capital Award went to CFLabs in recognition of the company’s reputation and commitment to such differentiating aspects as the highest degree of specialisation and technical and legal know-how in the use of electronic
attracts professional talent, as that
All CFLabs employees are highly qualified, with a lot of previous experience in the computer security business
evidence as a tool in proceedings. According to company sources, CFLabs provides
gives you an array of more specialised and diverse professionals than you’d get elsewhere”. Examples of this are to be found in the field of design, new technologies and the availability of operating
“technological expertise and know-how generated by our position as pioneers in the
Aware of this, CFLabs works with the
centres in more than 9 languages,
sector, thanks to the proprietary technology developed by our forensic R&D&i centre.
leading national and international
to name but a few. “The city’s
To this end, the company has assembled a multidisciplinary team with enormous ex-
universities, providing internships for
entrepreneurial spirit and its
perience in the sector, having taken part in many high-profile investigations involving
students completing MA courses or in
associated network mean that the
electronic evidence in recent years.
their final course. In the company’s own
opportunities that come up find
Not only that, the company’s management team also has more than a decade’s ex-
words, “we contribute in this way to the
numerous anchor points where they
perience in the sector. Indeed, all CFLabs employees are highly qualified, with a lot of
practical training of our young special-
can get the momentum they need to
previous experience in the computer security business, as well as benefiting from the
ists, transmitting our experience and
thrive”, Rosés concludes.
company’s training policy, which is applied to all workers.
good practice to day-to-day work”.
From left to right: Matías bevilacqua, fredesvinda insa and oriol rosés, founders of cFlabs
Barcelona Entrepreneurship Capital Awards Last June and for the twelfth year in a row, the Barcelona Capital Entrepreneurship Awards recognised the entrepreneurship and innovation of new businesses in the city and its area of influence for their contribution to economic development and job creation. This time round there were a total of 97 candidates in the following categories: Growth Potential Business Award Winner: SITmobile, http://www.sitmobile.com/ Catalonia Entrepreneur XXI Award Winner: Intelligent Pharma, http://www.intelligentpharma.com Microcredit New Business Award Winner: Restalo.com, http://www.restalo.com/ Business Plan Contest Winner: CFLabs, http://www.cflabs.es/
17 Barcelona Good News
The award gives CFLabs the right to take part in the prestigious 2011 Global Entrepreneurship Competition, a contest featuring an international selection of the world’s top 25 business plans. Meanwhile, the forensic laboratory continues to provide its electronic testing services to resolve disputes regarding such issues as unfair competition, digital identity theft, deliberate damage to computer systems, unauthorised access to confidential information, defence of competition, intrusion and malware installation, and assurance of
DEPARTURES
ALMIRALL Almirall has recently set up a subsidiary in Copenhagen which will serve the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The company is a fine example of the entrepreneurial DNA that characterises the Barcelona region, and its history also shows that the entrepreneurship of the city and its metropolitan area is deeply rooted and able to hurdle economic and geographical boundaries. Founded in 1943 in Barcelona, today Almirall sells its drugs in over 70 countries around the world. One of the reasons for the company’s extensive international presence is its R&D policy, which means it has
Barcelona Good News
18
proprietary research products that are highly valued in the marketplace. They include almotriptan (antimigraine), ebastine (antihistamine), aceclofenac (anti-inflammatory) and almagate (gastrointestinal). Almirall’s R&D spending last year came to €121 million, equivalent to 13.1% of company sales. Throughout its history the pharmaceutical firm has obtained patents in technology-leading countries such as the United States, Japan, Netherlands, Germany and the UK. In Spain, Almirall is the second laboratory by number of marketed drugs. Not surprisingly, 8 out of the 100 best-selling drugs are made by Almirall, and the strength it has acquired in its domestic market has long enabled it to operate abroad. In addition to its presence in Belgium, which began in 1990, and in Portugal, which dates back to 1993, there are now more and more countries covered by Almirall products or subsidiaries. But it is over the last decade that Almirall’s international expansion has grown by leaps and bounds. In 2001 and 2002, the pharmaceutical firm set up subsidiaries in France and Italy respectively. In 2003, it founded its German subsidiary. In 2007, Almirall went public and, soon after, acquired Hermal, the European prescription company specialising in dermatology, from Reckitt Benckiser, and a portfolio from Shire, in a transaction that further cemented its internationalisation and enabled it to open up a subsidiary in Austria in the same year. Almirall ended 2007 with its IPO, but 2008 was also to be important as it opened several European subsidiaries in Poland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Ireland.
United States, Canada and Mexico In 2000 almotriptan was approved by the FDA, the leading U.S. health authority. It was the first time the agency had approved a Spanish R&D drug. In 2001 it went on sale in the United States and in 2003 the molecule was approved for marketing in Canada, where it would be launched the following year. In 2001 Almirall started operating in Mexico, where it opened a subsidiary which markets several products including the popular Almax.
to know more www.almirall.com
Flying high
ARRIVALS
PUMA
Welcome back Puma
Puma has made Barcelona into its headquarters for Spain. The 3,000 square metres it leases at the World Trade Center in Cornellà is split into office space and a customer showroom. It also has plans for the Madrid office; in total, Puma’s direct presence with its Barcelona centre will mean about 250 jobs and €150 million in turnover. Puma is already the third biggest sports clothing and footwear group in the world and Spain, and its presence in our country is already noteworthy. So why has it leased 3,000 square metres at the World Trade Center Almeda Park in Cornellà ? Because with its arrival in Barcelona, Puma is looking market. The arrival of the German multinational in Spain is due to strategic reasons. Until December 2009, Puma products could be bought in multi-brand stores or Estudio 2000 establishments, the company with the distribution rights to the brand in Spain. However, in that month Puma decided not to renew the agreement, and no sooner had they seen the opportunity than executives at the German multinational decided the company would open in Barcelona. The firm is also planning to set up outlets in Seville, Getafe and Malaga as well as in Barcelona and Madrid. Javier Ortega de la Cruz, a former Nike and Levi’s executive, is in charge of the subsidiary in the country.
Legendary history Although Puma is very popular with consumers, not everyone knows about its unique history. Puma was founded in 1924 by Rudolf Dassler, the brother of Adidas founder Adolf “Adi” Dassler. Both companies are leaders in the world sports clothing and footwear market. Puma sells its products in over 120 countries and employs some 9,000 people. It is listed on the Frankfurt and Munich stock exchanges and is controlled by the PPR Group, which also manages brands like Fnac and Gucci. Its 2009 annual report features consolidated sales coming to €2.5 billion, and a net profit of €128.2 million. One of the things that give the company its reputation is its relationship with football. Puma has expanded its legend by becoming a sponsor of renowned players like Pelé, Eusébio, Johan Cruyff, Enzo Francescoli, Diego Armando Maradona, Lothar Mathäus, Didier Deschamps and Gianluigi Buffon, as well as sprinter Usain Bolt. As Puma says, they define “sportlifestyle” by blending together the influences of sport, lifestyle and fashion, and their products reflect spontaneity and individuality with underlying hints of their classic sport heritage style.
to know more www.puma.com
19 Barcelona Good News
to turn Spain into the company’s fifth biggest world
This is a sample of products and services that have come to exist as a result of the inspiration and creativity of enterprising individuals in our city. These products and services are designed to provide innovative solutions by means of new formats and processes.
Barcelona Good News
20
a city overflowing MANGO
ELLA BY BMAT
Mango is one of the Catalan companies with the greatest international impact and recognition. The brand has a worldwide presence and a logistics management system which enables it to grow constantly.
BMAT has created ELLA, a unique innovative new music program that offers the user a range of utilities through a smart system that will provide you with songs in line with your tastes and the activities you are doing.
It opened its first store in Barcelona in 1984. A
ELLA’s designers have managed to create the
year later, by which stage it already had another
best smart music program of all time. You no
four stores in the city, Mango began to expand,
longer need to know the artist or the name of a
first in Spain and then abroad. Besides having
song to get hold of it. With a simple comment
the latest in men’s and women’s fashion, it has
like “I want a song like ‘Oh Darling’”, you can
You don’t often come across a lamp that can
motivated employees and quality products at
get a new tune in your favourites list thanks to
be used both in the garden and in the living
very affordable prices.
ELLA’s recommendations. Another thing that is
room, but Inout lamps can be moved between
now history with this system is creating loads
the two as they adapt to outdoor conditions
of lists to organise your songs. BMAT’s software
(all materials are waterproof) and also feature
sorts them for you following your instructions
the meticulous design required for indoor use
(travelling with your partner, before going to bed
thanks to their classic shape. Inout is available
or for a romantic dinner). Another unique ELLA
in different colours and editions, such as the
application is “Bodibeat”,
special “Bombay Sapphire” in blue.
“Bodibeat synchronizes the tune of your favourite songs with your body movement, depending on whether you’re doing a strenuous activity or taking a relaxing walk”
“Inout is a lamp that can be used both in the garden and inside the home due to its waterproof materials and classic lines”
The most international Catalan firm has the largest design centre in Europe, a laboratory called “El Hangar”
INOUT LAMP, Ramón Úbeda, Otto Canalda, Metalarte The Inout lamp has been successful because it can be used both indoors and outdoors. It withstands the rain, sun and most weather conditions while retaining the design and size needed for use in living rooms, bedrooms and offices.
One of the secrets of the firm’s strategy is its “El Hangar” design centre, the largest of its kind in Europe. The items that shoppers can see in Mango shop windows are created and made in this laboratory. Another of the company’s strategies is the development of new logistics centres equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Plus the company seeks to nurture
Another of Inout’s advantages is that it cares
new talent and since 2006 has been holding the
which means the programme can choose the
about the environment and is made from 100%
prestigious international fashion awards Botón-
songs best suited for you depending on your
recyclable plastic. Inout was created by the
Mango Fashion, with €300,000 in prize-money,
heart rate and adapt the tunes to match your
versatile designer Ramon Úbeda and the young
to help the most promising newcomers in the
body movement. If you are doing sport, ELLA will
Otto Canalda, a graduate of the Elisava School
sector to make their mark in the competitive
up the tempo of your favourite song but with
of Design in Barcelona. Catalan firm Metalarte
world of fashion designers.
the control required so as not to accelerate your
makes the lamps and provides the experience of
heart rate. The programme currently has over
a company that has been specialising in lighting
9,000,000 songs.
since 1960.
www.bmat.com/ella
www.metalarte.com
www.mango.com
Boqueria NYC
Where? Boqueria Flatiron, 53 West 19 th Street Boqueria Soho, 171 Spring Street New York City What? Restaurant with an exclusive selection of luxury and artisan Spanish food products
Typo-Ø-Tones
MUNICH
Type-Ø-Tones is a small company dedicated to designing, producing and marketing digital typography. The term used in the sector to define this type of business is ‘type foundry’.
Since starting out as a family business in 1939, Munich sports shoes have become high quality footwear that is found in the main stores and on catwalks in countries such as Italy, Portugal, Russia and Japan.
In the beginning of the 1990s, Joan Barjau,
Munich has combined design with technological
Enric Jardí, Laura Meseguer and José Manuel
innovation to achieve a place at the top of
Urós met and, driven by a common interest in
the table for the most successful footwear
designing alphabets, joined forces to create
worldwide. In 2000 the company added the
a body of work that has been marketed
latest in style to comfort, which led to many
internationally since 1992 by FontShop
people choosing to wear the brand’s “X” symbol
International.
for their daily activities. Munich can reinvent
Why? “ We were inspired by Barcelona’s famed marketfresh food, which helped inform our seasonal ingredient-driven menu that offers a selection of tapas, portions and half portions”
Barcelona Media Design (Vancouver)
itself to adapt to change and as a result has
“If we lived in another city, these fonts would be different. Obviously, research into the essence of our sources would uncover evidence in some tiny byte of information that they were ‘Made in Barcelona’”. Over the last 20 years and until today,
built new technology into its design plans.
“At the start of the 21st century Munich decided to create sports shoes that in addition to being comfortable also exuded style and elegance for those who choose to wear them for their daily activities”
Where? 402 West Pender Street Vancouver What? They do Graphic and Web Design, Branding, Photography, Video and Motion Graphics Why?
Type-Ø-Tones has not stopped working on new and creative typographic designs and has kept
On the company’s website (www.munichmyway.
“The name is a symbol for everything that the city
existing typographies updated and functional.
com), users can create their own footwear
of Barcelona represents: contemporary, vibrant and
The four founders still form the core of
according to their taste, choosing the colour,
Type-Ø-Tones, but if we talk about the ‘team’,
finish and material. Once designed, the sports
urban centre that lives and breathes design at its best”
we would have to mention all the people who
shoe is manufactured and posted to the
have contributed designs to their source
customer, who will be able to enjoy unique
library. The list is still growing, but here are a
footwear tailored to their needs.
few names worth mentioning: Salvador ‘Tori’ Alimbau, Juan Dávila, Adela de Bara, Julia
BPFilms: Paris Barcelona Films Where?
www.munichsports.com
25 rue Saint Sébastien, Paris
Friese, Miguel Gallardo, Íñigo Jerez, Laura
What?
Klamburg, Estudio Mariscal, Luis Mendo,
Movie production for the
Flavio Morais, Pepe Puertas, Pera Ribalta,
cinema
Jaume Ros, Félix Rufín and Peret.
Why? “We chose the business name of Paris-Barcelone
www.type-o-tones.com
in 1997 because we belonged to a European community”
ARoUND THE WORLD
We travel trough the world’s major cities looking for small and large businesses inspired by our city.
21 Barcelona Good News
pensat a barcelona
with ideas
Paris, New York & Vancouver
Barcelona Good News
22
22@ Barcelona
The Barcelona economic triangle consolidates ITS international position In 2010, the Barcelona Economic Triangle was present at three international trade fairs: Mipim, ExpoReal and Barcelona Meeting Point, and preparations are underway for the next event in Cannes, Mipim 2011 (8-11 March 2011). The initiative, promoted by the Government of Catalonia and Barcelona City Council, participated at these events to promote the zones with the best projection in the Barcelona Metropolitan area.
Left: Delta bcn Right: SYncotron alba
Barcelona City Council are strengthening
ing firms meet, the BET stand included
It provides great opportunities to make
refers to the areas designated for
the region’s strategic positioning as a
the participation of companies such as
progress toward an economy based on
economic activity in the metropolitan
Mediterranean centre of innovation and
Castellví Group, Teyco, R5R and Mietes.
knowledge and creativity, which has
area with the most innovative busi-
a knowledge economy.
Deputy Mayor Jordi William Carnes also
already shown results with Barcelona’s
attended, participating in the signing of
15th position among world cities in terms
an agreement between 22@Barcelona
of scientific production. Catalonia and
and Newham London that opens doors to
Barcelona occupy the first positions in
“future joint projects between Barcelona
the ranking created by the most presti-
and London”.
gious international consulting firms.
its main objectives are to promote value
Participation in the sector’s main trade fairs: Mipim, ExpoReal and BMP
added economic areas in international
In order to attract more international at-
markets and attract investors to the
tention, BET participated in the sector’s
Barcelona Metropolitan Area.
most important trade fairs in 2010.
The three areas that make up Barcelona
At ExpoReal, where investors showed
Creating new opportunities for investment
Economic Triangle are Parc de l’Alba
great interest, the BET stand was rep-
BET is a differentiated global offer with
man real state fund, purchased the Caja
(Vallès area), 22@Barcelona (Besòs area)
resented by an institutional delegation
values based on quality, opportunity,
Madrid de Relalia building, making for
and Delta BCN/BZ Barcelona Innova-
headed by Deputy Mayor Jordi William
innovation, technology, talent, energy,
the largest real estate operation in Spain
tion Zone (Llobregat area). Together they
Carnes and Secretary for Spatial Plan-
flexibility and the Mediterranean spirit.
so far in 2010.
constitute almost 7 million m2 of land
ning Oriol Nel·lo, who met with different
capable of generating more than 200,000
international investment companies.
new jobs in strategic sectors. Parc de
Apart from BET’s three major projects,
Next Stop: Mipim 2011 (8-11 March)
l’Alba, located in Cerdanyola, Vallès,
the Munich stand also had space for
Like every year, the Palais des Festivals in Cannes will host the most
mainly generates interest in sectors
important organisations like Sabadell
international real estate trade fair. Mipim always attracts the major players in
related to science and technology, like
Parc Empresarial, Tecnocampus Mataró,
the sector: investors, property consultants, assessors, lawyers, construction
nanotechnology and biotechnology. The
Monereo Meyer Marinel·lo and the
companies, development corporations and local and regional authorities.
next area, 22@Barcelona, is a technology
Schmack Group.
For the second straight year, the Barcelona Economic Triangle will have a stand
district for setting up advanced services
Different organisations representing
displaying both its ongoing and future projects. BET is not just looking for
and knowledge-intensive activities
the Government of Catalonia also had a
synergy in the public sector; it also aims to create joint projects with private
linked with information and communica-
stand at Barcelona Meeting Point, where
organisations and companies. The goal is to share tools and serve as a platform
tion technologies (ICTs), the media, medi-
BET appeared for the first time. Here,
offering the private sector the possibility of participating in trade fairs, and
cal technology, energy and design. Lastly,
the Catalan Minister of the Environment
therefore gaining more international exposure at a low cost.
Delta BCN/BZ Barcelona Innovation Zone
and Housing, Francesc Baltasar, and the
is mainly directed at emerging sectors
President of the Chamber of Commerce,
such as the aerospace, mobility, optics
Miquel Valls, accompanied Jordi William
BARCELONA-CATALONIA stand at Mipim 2011?
and photonics sectors.
Carnes.
Send an email to:
By promoting Barcelona Economic Tri-
Thanks to Mipim in Cannes, where
contact@barcelonaeconomictriangle.cat
angle, the Government of Catalonia and
most international real estate consult-
Europe. Driven by the Government of Catalonia and Barcelona City Council,
The most recent example to support this position is an operation that took place in Barcelona. Deka Immobilien, a Ger-
Do you want to participate at Barcelona Economic Triangle’s
BZ barcelona innovation zone
BET: Quality spaces Barcelona has three main areas of activity that form a large triangle: the Barcelona Economic Triangle. These three spaces have the following assets: •Business fabric in consolidated areas of production, tertiary or logistics activity in different sectors. •Universities of excellence. •Specialised and global research and technology transfer centres. •Singular and state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure. •Local and international talent and entrepreneurial initiative. •Services for incubation and creation of businesses. •Support facilities (promotional, commercial, educational and health care). •Good connections with the airport, the port, the main international road and rail networks and the local public transport network. •High quality of life, with a pleasant, sunny climate and a system of highvalue natural parks.
For further information www.BarcelonaEconomicTriangle.cat
23 Barcelona Good News
ness opportunities in Catalonia and
what’s cooking
Barcelona Economic Triangle (BET)
26-28 January 2011
The Brandery
The international trade show for contemporary urban fashion of Barcelona, held from 26 to 28 January. In this fourth year it presents new approaches and opportunities for radical change at the Fira de Barcelona trade fair facilities. www.thebrandery.com
14-17 February 2011
Mobile World Congress
An international communications event, the Mobile World Congress attracts visitors interested in information technology, entertainment, financial services and the mobile phone industry. A unique opportunity for sharing services and business model ideas. www.mobileworldcongress.com
9-11 March 2011
Global Sports Forum Barcelona
The aim of the third Global Sports Forum Barcelona is to propose new ideas for the future through a platform of debates and workshops hosted by important figures in the sector, including athletes and government and business representatives. www.globalsportsforum.org
9-13 March 2011
10th International Conference on Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s Diseases
The conference will focus on the latest discoveries helping to improve the conditions of people suffering from neurodegenerative illnesses. The programme includes speeches by prestigious scientists and doctors, and scientific presentations by young researchers. www.kenes.com/adpd
24-28 May 2011
25 International Symposium on Cerebral Blood Flow, Metabolism & Function th
This congress brings together a group of international investigators who are researching the latest treatments for brain illnesses. This is a good opportunity to exchange discoveries and build relationships among brain experts in the scientific community. www.kenes.com/brain
8-10 June 2011
China at Barcelona Summit
ESADE and Barcelona Chamber of Commerce will organise a conference on Chinese investment in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean area. The aim is to present attractive investments in the area and especially to promote Barcelona as an investment opportunity for Chinese companies. www.chinaatbarcelonasummit.com
16-18 June 2011
Sónar 2011
A pioneer in its field, this long-standing festival is an annual event that you cannot miss if you want to be at the vanguard of advanced music and multimedia and electronic art. www.sonar.es
June 2011
Biz Barcelona
The objective of this event is to position Barcelona as a zone of innovation on both an international and national level. Here entrepreneurs, companies and investors will meet to make agreements and discover attractive areas of investment. www.bizbarcelona.com
22-25 June 2011
13 World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer th
This conference has won the admiration of the leading associations related with gastrointestinal cancer. It brings together experts to discuss the latest treatment options for common and less common tumours. www.worldgicancer.com
Also on the agenda...
January 2011 June 2011 Anne Boleyn at the Liceu 20 January – 5 March 2011 This famous work by Gaetano Donizetti was performed for the first time at the Liceu in 1947, and is now returning to Barcelona. It is a lyrical tragedy based on Henry VIII’s desire to marry the lady-in-waiting of his wife, Anne Boleyn. www.liceubarcelona.cat
Barcelona World Race 2010/2011 Exit: 31 December 2010 The second year of this regatta will start in front of the spectacular Hotel W in the Port of Barcelona. The route is from Barcelona to Barcelona via the three capes (Buena Esperanza, Leeuwin and Hornos). The arrival of the first boat is scheduled for late March 2011. www.barcelonaworldrace.com
Basketball Final Four 6-8 May 2011 The Euroleague’s Final Four will be played in Barcelona, which already hosted the final in 1998 and 2003, when Regal FC Barcelona won its first Euroleague championship. Palau Sant Jordi will bring together the thousands of fans that are planned to attend this great event. www.euroleague.net
From Luca Giordano to Goya: Spanish painting from the 18th century Until 13 February 2011 This exhibition will be held at the Fundación Francisco Godia and will bring together the work of internationally renowned artists such as Luca Giordano and prestigious Spanish painters like Francisco de Goya and Vicente López. www.fundacionfgodia.org
Kylie Minogue’s concert 12 March 2011 The Palau Sant Jordi of Barcelona will host the concert of one of the most relevant international pop music stars. Kylie will present her last album called Aphrodite. www.kylie.com
agenda