The New Barcelona Post converses this month with Carlota Lobato, one of the young executives participating in Barcelona 2040, the leadership and city program taught by Barcelona Global.
The objective of this series of interviews is for this new generation of leaders to share with us their vision of the Barcelona of the future they aspire to, as well as their impact proposals for the improvement of the city.
--- What do you expect from Barcelona in the year 2040?
--- I hope that Barcelona consolidates itself as a global benchmark in life sciences and innovation, relying on its solid network of hospitals, science parks, and research centers, and on its strong business fabric, to consolidate itself as a pioneering biomedical hub. Furthermore, sustainability must play a crucial role in the city's development, maintaining a balance between innovation and the preservation of the environment and the city's cultural heritage.
--- Which city would you compare Barcelona to?
--- Barcelona is a unique city because it fuses its rich cultural heritage with a spirit of constant innovation and international projection. Although it may in some aspects resemble cities like Amsterdam, for its focus on green mobility, or Berlin, for its vibrant cultural offerings, Barcelona maintains its own identity, traditional in its customs while being cosmopolitan and avant-garde.
--- What city model do you think Barcelona should resemble?
--- Barcelona could take Boston, Cambridge, and Copenhagen as references, which stand out for their ability to foster scientific innovation through public-private collaboration. Like Barcelona, Boston has a unique combination of renowned academic centers and hospitals that it has leveraged to attract investment and specialized talent in life sciences.
"Barcelona could take Boston, Cambridge, and Copenhagen as references", Carlota Lobato--- What is the main challenge Barcelona must solve in the coming years?
--- The main challenge is to improve collaboration between the public and private sectors, especially in the health field, streamlining bureaucratic processes and promoting the use of advanced technologies in the public health system. Likewise, data exchange between public and private entities must be facilitated to accelerate research and advance personalized medicine.
--- What do you think should be the role of new generations and their involvement in the development of the city?
--- New generations must promote innovative projects, bet on investment in education, and create new forms of participation from civil society through public-private collaboration. They must also play an active role in the transition towards a more sustainable and equitable city model.
--- Which business sectors do you think Barcelona should bet on?
--- Barcelona should focus on the life sciences and health sector. These sectors not only drive innovation and attract foreign investment but also generate quality employment, thus strengthening the well-being of citizens and the protection of the city's cultural heritage.