Barcelona, known for its quality of life, rich culture, and safety, is recognized as a global cultural hub. In addition to its appealing traits, the city is home to major technology companies including Google, Intel, Cisco, T-Systems, Facebook, and Oracle. Barcelona’s thriving tech scene attracts top international professionals who are drawn to its vibrant lifestyle.
According to the Start-up Heatmap Europe 2022 report, Barcelona ranks as the third most attractive European city for entrepreneurs due to its strong ecosystem and talent pool. The Atomico State of European Tech 2021 report also highlights Barcelona as the seventh most attractive European city for technology investment. Furthermore, the Spanish government’s recent approval of a new start-up law offers significant tax advantages and visa facilitation for international professionals and companies seeking to relocate to Spain.
Barcelona has recognized the importance of Indian digital talent and has made it a priority. A delegation from the Barcelona City Council and Mobile World Capital Barcelona will visit various universities in Bengaluru from June 20 to 22 to explore opportunities for collaboration and talent acquisition.
Barcelona’s success as a talent hub is evident in the Digital Talent Overview report by BDT, a program under Mobile World Capital Barcelona. The report reveals that 10,500 new digital professionals joined the Catalan job market in 2021, contributing to a total of nearly 100,000 international digital profiles in the region. With 31.4% of digital profiles being international, Barcelona surpasses its 2020 figures by 50%. The city now boasts a total of 93,516 digital profiles, accounting for 5.42% of its professional workforce. In-demand profiles include web developers, interface and user experience designers, and business software implementers, although finding professionals like UX/UI designers and cloud experts can be a challenge.
Mobile World Capital Barcelona has played a pivotal role in catalyzing the city’s tech ecosystem with its programs. Initiatives such as Smart Connectivity, 5G Barcelona, The Collider, and Digital Future Society have positioned Barcelona as a global leader in technology development.
To attract international talent, the Barcelona City Council has established the “Welcome Desk,” a tailored reception office that assists global professionals with various procedures upon arrival, such as registering with the local census, enrolling children in schools, and finding housing. This is especially valuable considering Barcelona’s significant international community, which accounts for 21% of the city’s population.
Barcelona Digital Talent conducts various initiatives to support and promote talent in the digital industry. These include organizing conferences that bring together companies and skilled professionals to discuss emerging digital professions. The institution also offers professional reskilling programs targeted towards individuals in vulnerable situations, enabling them to acquire the in-demand digital skills required by companies and facilitating their integration into the job market.
Furthermore, Barcelona Digital Talent runs a scholarship campaign to encourage and promote digital training among individuals. These efforts aim to enhance the overall digital capabilities and competitiveness of Barcelona’s workforce.
