The New Barcelona Post talks this month with Omar Jamshed, one of the young people participating in the leadership and city program taught by Barcelona Global, Barcelona 2040. Jamshed is the press officer for the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG). From the biomedical research center, Jamshed coordinates its external communication, disseminating the scientific achievements of research teams made up of 450 people from 50 different countries.
The objective of this series of interviews is for this new generation of leaders to share their vision for 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 2040?
--- A city that continues to be open to the world without losing its Mediterranean character and cultural weight. A city capable of naturally integrating innovation and sustainability in every sector. That it be a natural destination for anyone with dreams and ideas, big or small, and at the same time can guarantee the quality of life of its residents. A tolerant and free city. And that it continues to have a good lineup for Primavera Sound and Sónar!
--- What city would you compare Barcelona to?
--- Impossible. We have a unique history and cultural diversity, and we are much more than just sun and beach. It must be preserved, because there is only one Barcelona.
--- What city model do you think Barcelona should resemble?
--- We must aspire to be a city led by scientific avant-garde without forgetting sustainability and social inclusion. We must draw on the experience of leading innovation hubs like those in Boston or the golden triangle of Cambridge, London, and Oxford. In these cities, technology companies, research centers, and universities cooperate closely and generate high-value companies. On the other hand, we must preserve the urban balance and cultural identity that have always characterized the city. It will not be an easy task, but we have the talent to achieve it, and more than enough.
--- What is the main challenge Barcelona must solve in the coming years?
--- Without a doubt, the transition towards a city that embraces technology without creating social divides. We have to foster business growth in cutting-edge sectors such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, or personalized medicine and, at the same time, ensure that this growth is inclusive and sustainable. We also face the challenge of managing limited resources and public spaces so that both citizens and tourism and the business fabric can prosper in harmony.
"The only safe and long-term bet for the future prosperity of the city is to create a knowledge-based economy"--- What do you think should be the role of the new generations and their involvement in the development of the city?
--- Research centers such as the CRG, IRB Barcelona, ICFO, and BSC are increasingly becoming the natural destination for young talent. These researchers will stay in the city, create new companies, and assume an increasingly important role of civic leadership. But anyone, whatever their background, will be a driver of local innovation if they have good ideas and an ecosystem to nurture them. This means radical investments in infrastructure, housing, and transport that are befitting a global city. Initiatives like the transformation of the Antic Mercat del Peix, which will soon host a thousand researchers, are an important step, but more ambition is required.
--- Which business sectors do you think Barcelona should bet on?
--- The only safe and long-term bet for the city's future prosperity is to create a knowledge-based economy. Knowledge drives economic growth, and quality science is the best way to generate knowledge. It is the only way to ensure diversified growth that boosts the city's global competitiveness. Without science, there is no future.