A few months ago, I had the opportunity to participate in the program Thinking the Unthinkable, organized by 22@Network Barcelona in collaboration with Wonnd Strategy and IdeaSquare, the European particle physics laboratory located in Geneva. Being at the epicenter of science and innovation in Europe made me understand more deeply how collaboration is essential to solve the most complex challenges, both in the scientific and business worlds. Being able to live that experience with leaders from different sectors highlighted the importance of strengthening the union between science and business to face the challenges of the future.
CERN is the European benchmark in science, innovation, and technological development, a space where thousands of experts collaborate without traditional hierarchies to achieve objectives that transcend borders. It represents a model of open and global innovation that is very inspiring for the 22@Network Barcelona community and for anyone who champions transformation and collaboration.
Business and science share the same challenge: how to manage uncertainty? In both worlds, moving forward means facing the unknown with a great capacity for adaptation. While science seeks answers to questions not yet formulated, companies must anticipate future economic scenarios, minimizing risks as much as possible. And this is how both spheres work to turn challenges into opportunities, through innovation and collaboration.
The synergies between diverse actors are the fundamental gear that makes the CERN machinery work. Collaboration is fostered without silos, prioritizing large-scale thinking, promoting constant experimentation. An example of this is IdeaSquare, its innovation laboratory, where methodologies are created that allow connecting scientific ideas with real applications.
Although CERN is a global benchmark, Barcelona's innovation district, 22@, is a clear example of how local cooperation between companies, universities, startups, and research centers can generate an ecosystem capable of facing the challenges of the future. Just like at CERN, at 22@, limitless thinking is promoted, where technology and creativity come together to drive innovative solutions.
The innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to grow worldwide and especially in Barcelona, where programs like Thinking the Unthinkable reaffirm the commitment of our city and 22@Network Barcelona to science, technology, and business leadership.