Barcelona Activa

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Barcelona Activa is a city-driven economic development agency that offers support and resources to entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses.
What are the main aims and objectives?
The primary aims and objectives of Barcelona Activa encompass promoting quality employment, supporting entrepreneurship and business ecosystem, and fostering innovation. This agency is integrated into the Area of Economy, Enterprise, and Employment, and provides targeted services and support for entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses in Barcelona and its metropolitan area. Moreover, Barcelona Activa is actively engaged in promoting sustainability and competitiveness. It participates in initiatives like the BforPlanet sustainability congress, where it showcases municipal measures related to the Sustainable Development Goals. These measures include projects focusing on creating a blue economy, gender equality, and the 2030 Agenda. 
How does the program work?

Barcelona Activa works by offering a wide range of services and programs to support entrepreneurship, employment, and economic development. These include training programs, business advisory services, networking events, and startup incubators. The organization also provides resources for job seekers, including career guidance, job training, and job placement services. Barcelona Activa collaborates with various stakeholders such as public institutions, private companies, and non-profit organizations to implement its programs. It works in a decentralized manner, with various locations across the city and the metropolitan area offering tailored services to meet the specific needs of the local community. Its comprehensive approach ensures the economic vitality and sustainability of Barcelona. 

Barcelona Activa offers a diverse range of programs designed to stimulate economic growth, encourage entrepreneurship, and foster employment. These include: 

  1. Entrepreneurship Support Programs: They offer guidance, training, and resources to help budding entrepreneurs start their businesses. 

  1. Job Placement Services: They facilitate job placements for job seekers and provide resources for skill enhancement. 

  1. Innovation and Technology Programs: These are designed to foster innovation and technological advancement in businesses. 

  1. Social Inclusion Initiatives: They run programs aimed at promoting social inclusion and providing opportunities for disadvantaged groups. 

  1. Internationalization Support: They provide resources and guidance to help businesses expand globally. 

  1. Sustainability Programs: They offer initiatives to promote sustainable practices within businesses and the wider community. 

  1. Business Development Services: They offer various services to aid in the growth and development of businesses. 

What is the overall cost?

As of 2021, Barcelona Activa managed a budget of €52.5 million. 79% of this budget was funded by the Barcelona City Council. The remainder of the budget is funded by the Government of Catalonia, European Funds and management fees.  

A report published in 2015 revealed that 56% of the budget went towards measures that promote employment with 33% going towards programs that support business and entrepreneurship. The remaining 11% was dedicated to measures to promote the city in terms of its key economic sectors.  

How was it implemented?

Barcelona Activa was created in 1986 by the Barcelona City Council with the objective of stimulating economic growth and promoting business activity in the city. It was designed as an innovative public agency to drive local economic development, support entrepreneurship, boost employment, and foster technological innovation. The creation of Barcelona Activa was part of a broader strategy to modernize Barcelona's economy and transform the city into a dynamic and competitive hub for business and innovation. Through numerous initiatives, programs, and services, the agency has continuously adapted to the evolving needs of the local economy and the demands of the global market. 

Barcelona Activa has evolved significantly since its inception in 1986. Initially, its primary role was to stimulate economic growth and promote business activity in Barcelona. It focused on providing support and resources to local businesses and startups, and driving local economic development. 

In the late 2000s, Barcelona Activa started focusing more on technology-based sectors, reflecting the growing importance of the digital economy. It launched various programs aimed at fostering entrepreneurship in the tech sector and promoting digital skills among residents. 

In the 2010s, it also started promoting social innovation and social entrepreneurship, reflecting the growing importance of social issues in the business world. It launched programs aimed at encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices, and promote social inclusion and equality. 

In recent years, Barcelona Activa has also been focusing on promoting "green" businesses and sustainable development, reflecting the growing global emphasis on sustainability. 

In short, Barcelona Activa's evolution can be characterized by its adaptability and responsiveness to the changing needs of Barcelona's economy and global market trends. It has continuously evolved to meet the needs of businesses, entrepreneurs, and the city's economy, making it a key player in Barcelona's economic development. 

What impact has been measured?

A report found that as of 2015: 

  • Barcelona Activa had supported 54,648 people and 5,966 

  • 26,982 people have been assisted via vocational training and employment services  

  • The ‘Actualitza’t’ program has retrained 566 people in high skilled areas such as ICT and LED technology.  

  • 23,963 people took part in 6,497 training activities in business management and entrepreneurship  

  • 9,659 employees of SMEs in Barcelona have been trained in advanced tech skills and 2,526 people got basic training in digital literacy  

  • Business incorporation services helped create 542 new businesses  

  • Financing services have helped fund 174 companies and entrepreneurs with €46.3 million 

  • 55 foreign companies and 18 international entrepreneurs received advice about moving to Barcelona, of these 13 relocated in 2015 creating 108 new jobs.  

  • Barcelona Activa’s services and entrepreneurships have accompanies the construction and analysis of 2,813 new projects and attended to 14.850 people interested in starting a company 

  • Estimates show that nearly 1,900 of these projects became new companies and generated more than 3,300 jobs. 

  • 28 foreign economic promotion delegations were organized 

Although Barcelona Activa can demonstrate the wider relationship their work has with business creation and job creation, they do not provide direct proof of their impact which could be achieved through the use of a control group.  

What lessons can be learned?

In recent years, Barcelona Activa has shifted its focus to address emerging trends and challenges: 

  1. Adaptability: The organization has shown remarkable adaptability in updating its strategies to align with the changing economic environment. This includes a shift towards digital and technological fields, recognizing the growing influence of these sectors. 

  1. Sustainability Focus: Barcelona Activa has placed increased emphasis on sustainability and green initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility. 

  1. Inclusion: The organization has also prioritized social inclusion, working to ensure that economic growth benefits all residents, not just a select few. This shows the importance of addressing social inequalities in economic development strategies. 

  1. Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Barcelona Activa's shifted emphasis on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly in the tech sector, suggests a recognition of their crucial role in driving economic growth in the 21st century. 

  1. Public-Private Partnerships: The continued focus on public-private partnerships attests to their effectiveness in promoting economic development and job creation. 

While Barcelona Activa is widely recognized for its innovative approach to local economic development, it's not without its criticisms. Some critics argue that the organization may be too focused on tech start-ups and digital economy, potentially neglecting traditional industries and sectors. Others point out that the success of Barcelona Activa is largely dependent on a supportive political environment, which could change with shifts in local leadership. Additionally, some argue that while the organization has been successful in promoting entrepreneurship, it has not sufficiently addressed issues of income inequality and social exclusion. 

CURATED BY

Tom Hancock

Research Associate
Global Entrepreneurship Network
United Kingdom