“Barcelona is a unique city for its fusion of cultural heritage and innovation” by Carlota Lobato
Carlota Lobato Molina is a lawyer at Puig, where she provides corporate legal advice at both national and international levels.
What do you expect from the Barcelona of 2040?
I hope that Barcelona will establish itself as a global benchmark in life sciences and innovation, relying on its solid network of hospitals, science parks, and research centers, as well as its strong business fabric, to become a pioneering biomedical hub. Additionally, sustainability should play a crucial role in the city’s development, maintaining a balance between innovation and the preservation of the environment and the city's cultural heritage.
With which city would you compare Barcelona to?
Barcelona is a unique city because it blends its rich cultural heritage with a constant spirit of innovation and international projection. Although it may resemble cities like Amsterdam in some aspects, with its focus on green mobility, or Berlin, with its vibrant cultural scene, Barcelona maintains its own identity, traditional in its customs yet cosmopolitan and avant-garde.
What model of city do you think Barcelona should be like?
Barcelona could look to cities like Boston, Cambridge, and Copenhagen, which excel at fostering scientific innovation through public-private collaboration. Like Barcelona, Boston has a unique combination of renowned academic institutions and hospitals that it has successfully leveraged to attract investment and specialized talent in the life sciences sector.
What is the main challenge Barcelona must address in the coming years?
The main challenge is to improve collaboration between the public and private sectors, particularly in the healthcare field, by streamlining bureaucratic processes and promoting the use of advanced technologies in the public health system. Furthermore, data sharing between public and private entities should be facilitated to speed up research and advance personalized medicine.
What do you think should be the role of the new generations and their involvement in the development of the city?
New generations must drive innovative projects, invest in education, and create new forms of participation through public-private collaboration. They should also play an active role in the transition toward a more sustainable and equitable city model.
What business sectors do you think Barcelona needs to focus on?
Barcelona should focus on the life sciences and health sectors. These industries not only foster innovation and attract foreign investment, but they also generate quality employment, thereby strengthening the well-being of citizens and the protection of the city’s cultural heritage.
If you want to know the latest English news about Barcelona and the people who bring it to life, sign up to our Blog.
