Barcelona 2045: Talent, innovation and future

Barcelona Global has launched the sixth edition of the Barcelona 2040 program, with the aim of connecting young talents and offering them the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the city and its various economic sectors. In this new edition, 37 participants, with an average age of 31, will have the opportunity to visit key companies and institutions and engage in dialogue with leaders in fields such as science, entrepreneurship, technology, culture, medicine, and sports, among others.

The program, which will conclude in April 2025, aims to prepare these professionals to lead the companies of the future. Over several months, the participants will explore Barcelona, interacting with leaders from multiple sectors, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s business and social realities.

Among the scheduled visits for this year are companies and institutions such as Agbar, AstraZeneca, the Liceu Conservatory, Cooltra, Kosmos, the Alba Synchrotron, and the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC). These companies represent the diversity of sectors in which Barcelona is a pioneer, as well as areas where the city has potential for growth and development.

In addition to the visits, participants will engage in group innovation dynamics organized by the Imagine program and led by Xavier Verdaguer, aimed at fostering creative and disruptive thinking—a key aspect for developing new ideas that can positively impact the city.

The 37 young professionals in this edition represent 16 business sectors and come primarily from Europe and Latin America. They have an average of seven years of work experience and are employed by well-known companies such as Bluecap, HP, Mango, Telefónica, and PWC. Their diversity and commitment to the city reflect Barcelona Global’s approach to building a connected city with a forward-looking vision.

The Barcelona 2040 program, which has already involved nearly 200 young people over its six editions, continues to position itself as a key platform for developing young leadership in the city. The participants are selected by a committee of experts, composed of business leaders, academics, and representatives from prestigious institutions, who assess their commitment and ability to generate innovative proposals to improve Barcelona.

With initiatives like this, Barcelona Global reaffirms its commitment to developing local and international talent, contributing to making Barcelona one of the best cities in the world for attracting and retaining impactful talent.