Barcelona: among the 25 most competitive cities in the world

Despite the pandemic, Barcelona manages to remain among the 25 most competitive cities in the world and stands as a technological pole of international reference. This is according to the annual report of the Observatori de Barcelona, carried out by the Barcelona City Council and the Official Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Services and Navigation of Barcelona. The study is based on 34 indicators for the years 2019 and 2020.

Global City Index

The report refers to the prestigious Global City Index, which this year ranks Barcelona in 21st place. The ranking classifies the world’s leading cities according to their power to attract people, capital, and companies. This index measures six functions: economy, research, and development, cultural interaction, skill, environment, and accessibility.

Where does Barcelona stand out?

• Technology

The Catalan capital enters the top 5 technological and scientific cities in Europe, consolidating its position as a pole of reference in Europe and the world. The pandemic has not affected the city in this sense but has consolidated its place.

According to FDi Tech Cities, Barcelona ranks eighth as a technology city in Europe, fifth in terms of prospects for receiving investment in innovation, technology, and startups, and second with the best strategy in Europe for attracting investment in the technology field. Along the same lines, the 2020 Global Startup Ecosystem Report places it as the sixth emerging ecosystem in the world and third in Europe. Besides, the city is currently the fifth-largest startup hub in Europe according to EU startups.

In the scientific field, it also ranks fifth in Europe in scientific academic production according to the Knowledge Cities Ranking.

• Culture

Barcelona also stands out in the cultural sphere, ranking ninth in Europe in creative intensity according to The Cultural and Creative Cities Monitor. The city is particularly well-positioned in terms of human capital, training, and employment in creative activities. The rankings also consider that the cost of living in Barcelona continues to be very competitive, remaining within the European average in terms of office rents.

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