«Barcelona captivates with its cosmopolitan character and vibrant cultural atmosphere», by Paola Carli
Paola Carli, an Argentinian graduate with a degree in Business Administration, has found a new home in Barcelona since she moved in 2021. With a solid career in the business world, she currently works at Vortech Group PCI, where she actively contributes to the digital transformation of the company. One of her most prominent projects is Job Mate!, an initiative designed to foster work engagement and promote multicultural integration within the organisational environment.
With a restless spirit and a wide range of interests ranging from economics to art, Paola found in Barcelona the perfect setting to settle down and continue to develop both professionally and personally.
Why did you choose Barcelona?
The decision to move was the result of a number of factors that converged at a crucial moment in my life, marked by the pandemic. In Argentina, I was faced with an increasingly weak economy and a lack of long-term prospects. Born in Buenos Aires, I have experienced, first-hand, the challenges and ups and downs of everyday life, which has given me a great capacity to adapt and a strong determination to seek new horizons.
One of the main reasons I chose Barcelona as my new home was the opportunity to develop my career in an international working environment. Joining a multinational company as part of my job duties was a goal I had set for myself and here I found the perfect setting to make it happen.
Since my arrival, I have immersed myself in a variety of environments, both professional and personal, seeking to broaden my horizons and establish meaningful connections. Organizations such as Barcelona Global have been essential in this process, providing me with a space to interact with people of diverse nationalities and sectors to better understand the idiosyncrasies and realities of the country.
What aspects of the city would you highlight as being positive?
Barcelona is a city that captivates with its cosmopolitan character and vibrant cultural atmosphere. Its position as a hub for talent attraction, innovation and technological development makes it an ideal destination for entrepreneurs and professionals from all over the world.
One of the highlights of Barcelona is its position as a global startup hub. Thanks to a strong and welcoming entrepreneurial ecosystem, the city has been recognised as the third most important city for the emergence of new companies. This recognition is due in part to the existence of numerous public and private programmes designed to support entrepreneurs at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey.
It also offers a pleasant Mediterranean climate for much of the year and relatively low living costs compared to other European cities of similar size. Its excellent infrastructure, including an efficient and modern public transport network, facilitates mobility in and around the city.
The city also stands out for its strong network of research centers and technology hubs, which foster collaboration and innovation in various fields. The combination of active listening by the authorities and strong political support has contributed to the implementation of initiatives and projects that drive economic and social development.
What aspects of the city must be improved? How?
While Barcelona has many positive aspects, there are also areas that could be improved to make it even more attractive as a city.
One of the main challenges it faces is the bureaucracy associated with setting up new businesses. While the city offers an environment conducive to entrepreneurship, administrative processes can often be slow and complex, making it difficult for new business initiatives to get off the ground quickly. Incorporating more streamlined and efficient processes when setting up a business would be key to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the city. This could be achieved by simplifying procedures and digitalizing processes for entrepreneurs.
Another area requiring attention is urban cleanliness. Despite being a cosmopolitan and attractive city, it often faces challenges in terms of waste management and maintaining clean public spaces. Improving waste management infrastructure and systems, as well as raising public awareness of the importance of keeping streets and squares clean, would be key steps in addressing this problem.
Both aspects would consolidate it as one of the most desirable destinations in the world.
What do you expect from Barcelona in the coming years?
I hope that Barcelona will continue to be a center of innovation and entrepreneurship, enriching its social and economic fabric with a culture rooted in effort and creativity. That it harnesses its potential as a catalyst for innovation, promoting the emergence of new companies and projects that drive economic growth and job creation.
My expectation for Barcelona in the coming years is that it will continue to be a beacon of progress and development, where every individual has the opportunity to grow and contribute to the city’s flourishing. With a focus on collaboration and working together, I am confident that Barcelona will continue to be an inspiring and vibrant place to live and work.
Which city do you feel as «your city»? What do you miss the most?
The ideal city is one that strives to achieve a balance between economic progress, social justice and environmental protection. It is a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and where diversity in all its forms is valued and respected.
For me, Barcelona has become my adopted city, a place where I have found new opportunities and experiences that have enriched my life. However, despite feeling rooted here, there is always something I miss: my family and friends in Argentina.
Although I cherish every moment I share with them when they visit this part of the world and enjoy those fleeting encounters in my adopted city, nostalgia for the familiar and the known is an inevitable part of the process of living in a new place.
Barcelona has become my home away from home. Although physical distances can sometimes be difficult, the love and support of my family and friends help me feel connected to my roots, no matter where I am.
