22@Barcelona

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The 22@Barcelona district, also known as the Innovation District, is a transformative urban regeneration project located in the Poblenou neighborhood of Barcelona.
What are the main aims and objectives?

The main aims and objectives of 22@Barcelona are centered around transforming the old industrial area of Poblenou into a cutting-edge, knowledge-based urban district. The project seeks to create a diverse and dynamic environment that fosters innovation, creativity, and economic growth. By blending modern infrastructure with the area's industrial heritage, 22@Barcelona aims to attract technology companies, research centers, and creative industries. Additionally, the project strives to position Barcelona as a leading hub for innovation and technology in Europe, enhancing the city's competitiveness in the global knowledge economy. 

How does the program work?

22@Barcelona works through a comprehensive urban renewal strategy that combines physical transformation, economic revitalization, and social innovation. The project operates by repurposing the former industrial area of Poblenou, converting outdated factories and warehouses into modern spaces suitable for knowledge-intensive activities. This transformation is guided by a special urban planning designation that allows for a mix of land uses, including technology-based companies, research centers, educational institutions, and residential areas.

The district functions on a principle of clustering, where companies and institutions from similar or complementary sectors are encouraged to locate near each other. This proximity fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation. The urban plan designates specific areas for different activities, ensuring a balance between economic, residential, and public spaces. It also incorporates smart city technologies and sustainable infrastructure to create an efficient and environmentally friendly urban environment.

To attract businesses and talent, 22@Barcelona offers various incentives and support services. These include tax breaks, access to specialized facilities, and programs to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. The district also works closely with universities and research institutions to create a strong link between academia and industry, facilitating knowledge transfer and the development of new technologies.

The project is managed through a public-private partnership model, with the Barcelona City Council playing a key role in coordinating development efforts. This collaborative approach ensures that the district's growth aligns with the broader goals of the city while remaining responsive to market demands and technological trends. Through this multifaceted strategy, 22@Barcelona works to create a self-sustaining ecosystem of innovation that continually evolves and adapts to new challenges and opportunities in the global knowledge economy.

What is the overall cost?

There is currently no available information on the overall cost of 22@Barcelona

How was it implemented?

The creation of 22@Barcelona was a strategic urban renewal initiative that began in the year 2000. It was conceived as a response to the declining industrial area of Poblenou in Barcelona, Spain. The project was initiated by the Barcelona City Council with the aim of transforming this former industrial district into a modern, knowledge-based urban center.

The process started with the approval of a new urban planning ordinance that allowed for the rezoning of the area. This new plan, known as the 22@Barcelona Plan, designated 200 hectares of industrial land for transformation. The name "22@" itself was derived from the urban planning code "22a," which had previously designated the area for industrial use. The "@" symbol was added to represent the transition to a new, technology-driven economy.

The creation of 22@Barcelona involved a comprehensive approach that went beyond mere physical redevelopment. It included strategies for economic revitalization, social cohesion, and technological innovation. The plan allowed for a mix of land uses, combining spaces for innovative businesses, research centers, educational institutions, and residential areas. This mixed-use approach was designed to create a vibrant, 24/7 neighborhood that would attract talent and foster creativity.

A key aspect of the creation process was the preservation and integration of the area's industrial heritage. Instead of completely demolishing old structures, many former factories and warehouses were repurposed and renovated to house new businesses and cultural spaces. This approach helped maintain the district's unique character while adapting it for modern use.

The project also involved significant infrastructure improvements. This included the installation of advanced telecommunications networks, sustainable energy systems, and new transportation links. The creation of green spaces and public areas was another crucial element, designed to improve the quality of life for residents and workers in the district.

To facilitate the development, the city established public-private partnerships and offered incentives to attract businesses and investment. This collaborative approach helped to accelerate the transformation and ensured that the project aligned with both public goals and market demands.

What impact has been measured?

It has been reported that: 

  • The district has generated over 56,000 new jobs since its inception, with estimates suggesting it could reach 150,000 jobs in total
  • More than 4,500 new companies have moved to the district since 2000, with 47.3% being new start-ups and 31% in the technology or knowledge-based sectors

What lessons can be learned?
  1. Mixed-use development: The success of 22@Barcelona demonstrates the importance of combining residential, commercial, and public spaces. This approach creates a vibrant, 24/7 neighborhood that attracts diverse talent and fosters innovation.
  2. Public-private partnerships: The collaboration between the government and private sector was crucial for the project's success. This model can help accelerate development and ensure alignment with both public goals and market demands.
  3. Focus on knowledge-based industries: By targeting technology and creative sectors, 22@Barcelona successfully transformed an outdated industrial area into a hub for innovation and high-value jobs.
  4. Infrastructure investment: The project highlights the importance of investing in advanced infrastructure, including high-speed internet and sustainable energy systems, to attract businesses and improve quality of life.
  5. Cluster approach: Encouraging similar and complementary businesses to locate near each other fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange.
  6. Integration with education: Strong links with universities and research institutions create a pipeline of talent and facilitate knowledge transfer.
  7. Branding and identity: Creating a distinct identity for the district (22@) helped in marketing the area and attracting investment.
Notes + Additional Context

About urban innovation districts (excerpt from Nesta's ‘Idea Bank’ for Local Policymakers):

Innovation districts may sound somewhat similar to science parks, or else conjure up images of the corporate campuses that dot suburban areas across global metropolises. However, the concept is rather different, and intended to describe vibrant, accessible, mixed-use urban areas where established innovative companies mingle with startups, incubators and accelerators.

The idea is that innovation districts are focused more on knowledge-intensive, open innovation and interactions between people – and hence develop in urban areas rather than the relative sterility of out-of-town science parks.

Whilst some areas have developed organically, others have been consciously created by local authorities through a combination of planning policy, collaboration with knowledge industries and incentives for key anchor tenants.

CURATED BY

Simona Bielli

Research Programme Coordinator – Digital Startups
Nesta
United Kingdom