District 22@ Barcelona is an innovative business ecosystem that combines Barcelona’s technological, creative, and entrepreneurial sectors in one place. Established in 2000, it is now one of Europe’s largest and most successful innovation districts.
Revitalizing Barcelona: The Story of 22@Network BCN, the City’s Innovation District
The 22@Network BCN, also known as Barcelona’s Innovation District, is an ambitious endeavor launched by the City Council in 2000 to regenerate the Poblenou part of the city into a hub of advancement and technology. Its goal is to promote the economic development of Barcelona by inviting national and international firms to invest in the area and create job openings.
Covering an area of 200 hectares, which had become an industrial area with derelict factories and warehouses, the project involves the redevelopment of this area into an energetic and dynamic locale that stimulates invention, imagination, and entrepreneurship.
This transformation was carried out through the partnership between the public and private sectors. The City Council of Barcelona made substantial investments, providing infrastructure, urban planning, and public spaces. At the same time, private businesses were enticed to the area due to the advantageous business climate and growth potential.
Revolutionizing Urban Regeneration: 22@Network BCN Leads the Way
The 22@Network BCN has become a model for urban regeneration and economic development. The project has attracted over 3,500 companies, including startups, technology firms, and research centers. These companies have created more than 100,000 jobs, and the area has become a hotbed for European innovation and technology.
The Network has also transformed the area’s physical landscape, creating a mix of modern and historic buildings that coexist in harmony. The site is home to several iconic buildings, such as the MediaTIC building, designed by Enric Ruiz-Geli, which is considered an emblem of the technological transformation of the city.
The project has also created a vibrant cultural scene by developing new public spaces, parks, and cultural centers. The Can Framis Museum of Contemporary Painting, for example, is one of the most important cultural centers in the area, featuring works by modern Catalan artists.
Up-Skilling Our Future
In this similar socio-cultural scenario, there is easily space for the awareness that the jobs of the future will be focused on the ability to program new generation software. From here comes the desire to provide young people (without forgetting the less young) with the skills to do so. It is therefore not a coincidence that the following entities operate within the District.
IT ACADEMY
Barcelona’s “IT Academy” is a training program that aims to build digital skills among the city’s residents and help them develop new professional opportunities.
The Academy has courses and training programs for students who want to thrive in the digital workplace by acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge. The courses are available to both citizens and businesses, and in partnership with local schools and universities.
The institution also works to connect students with local tech companies, providing them with opportunities to gain hands-on experience and develop their professional networks. In addition, the Academy offers job placement services and career counseling to help students find the best path forward in their careers. All of this with a success rate that consistently stays above 80%.
Barcelona’s “IT Academy” is a training program that aims to build digital skills among the city’s residents and help them develop new professional opportunities.
The Academy has courses and training programs for students who want to thrive in the digital workplace by acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge. The courses are available to both citizens and businesses, and in partnership with local schools and universities.
The institution also works to connect students with local tech companies, providing them with opportunities to gain hands-on experience and develop their professional networks. In addition, the Academy offers job placement services and career counseling to help students find the best path forward in their careers. All of this with a success rate that consistently stays above 80%.
42 BARCELONA
42 Barcelona” is a tuition-free, non-profit coding school and is part of a global network of coding schools, which began with the original “42” school founded in Paris, France in 2013 (“42” comes from the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything, from the science fiction series “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”).
Its main philosophy is that anyone can learn to code, regardless of their educational or professional background. The institution offers a self-paced, gamified learning approach, where students learn by solving coding challenges and working on real-world projects. The curriculum covers a wide range of skills, including programming languages, software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and more.
42 Barcelona welcomes students of all ages (18+) and backgrounds and does not require any prior coding experience or academic qualifications to enroll. The program is open to the public, and there are no tuition fees.
CYBERNARIUM
The Cybernarium focuses on educating the public about technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The organization offers over 400 educational activities for students, professionals, and entrepreneurs. Additionally, they host events, workshops, and talks on various topics related to technology and innovation. In this case as well, it is flexible, free, and accessible training for everyone.
Let’s not forget Sustainability!
The district area has also been instrumental in promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. The project has incorporated eco-friendly technologies and sustainable practices, such as renewable energy sources, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting systems.
The success of the 22@Network BCN has inspired other cities worldwide to follow suit, creating their innovation districts to promote economic growth and urban regeneration. The project has become a model for integrating innovation, culture, and sustainability in urban planning.
The Barcelona District 22@ Hub is closely connected to the vision of the Barcelona Green Deal.
In fact, it was specifically created with sustainability in mind. All new buildings must meet strict energy efficiency standards, and the district features parks, green spaces, and sustainable transportation options. The district also hosts a number of sustainable businesses and initiatives that are working towards a greener future. By promoting sustainability and innovation, the Hub is helping to move Barcelona towards a greener, more sustainable future, and supporting the goals of the Barcelona Green Deal.
Reshaping Business Innovation – Here’s Why Our Company is Proud to be a Part of It
Our Spanish branch is located in the 22@Network BCN in Barcelona. This spot is ideal for a recruiting agency like Pyou, which seeks to connect talented professionals with innovative companies.
As we have seen, the vibrant and engaged neighborhood is home to many cutting-edge businesses and startups: an ecosystem that provides a fertile ground for our team to develop relationships with new clients and candidates, as well as to stay up-to-date on emerging trends and developments in the job market.
In addition to being a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, the 22@Network BCN is also committed to promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. Pyou shares this commitment and is proud to be part of a community that is working to create a more sustainable future.
Another advantage of being located in this part of the Catalonian capital is its excellent infrastructure and transportation links. This location is easily accessible from all parts of the city and provides a convenient base from which to serve clients and candidates throughout the region.
From a broad perspective, Pyou’s decision to locate its Spanish team in the 22@Network BCN reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in service delivery. We believe that these surroundings will help us to achieve our goals and to continue to grow and thrive as a company.
