Karim Barmose is 32 years old and was born in Barcelona in 1992, the same year the Olympic Games were held, marking a before and after in the city's history. Passionate about Barcelona, he currently holds the position of operations director at Winid, a talent consultancy specializing in the search for middle and senior management, and participates in the leadership and city program taught by Barcelona Global, Barcelona 2040.
Winid was founded four years ago and today has a team of 70 people, with offices in Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon. Its purpose as an organization is to promote the growth and fulfillment of both individuals and organizations, through talent acquisition services based on three fundamental pillars: diversity and inclusion, innovation, and the use of data.
--- What do you expect from Barcelona in 2040?
--- I hope Barcelona will be a global benchmark in innovation, sustainability, and quality of life. A city with modern infrastructure, access to affordable housing, and an environment that benefits both its inhabitants and businesses. And above all, a city that does not lose its charm, its culture, its gastronomy…
--- What city would you compare Barcelona to?
--- Barcelona is unique, but it can draw inspiration from cities like Copenhagen, for its commitment to sustainability and green mobility, and Singapore, for its smart city model and technological innovation applied to urban management.
--- What city model do you think Barcelona should resemble?
--- It should aspire to be a city that combines innovation, investment, and sustainability. Examples include Amsterdam, with its balance between economic development and social well-being, or Zurich, which stands out for its quality of life and efficient resource management.
--- What is the main challenge Barcelona must solve in the coming years?
--- The main challenge is the housing crisis, with prices having risen more than 40% in the last decade, which affects local people, but also the attraction of international talent. The city of Barcelona has lost competitiveness compared to other European cities in terms of quality of life, due to the notable increase in the cost of living, which can be a limit for companies that want to continue growing and need skills or abilities from professionals who are not currently here.
"Barcelona is already a technological hub, and betting on AI and renewable energies will strengthen its competitiveness"--- What do you think should be the role of new generations and their involvement in the city's development?
--- Their role is key. New generations are more aware of the climate crisis and social inequality, and bring innovative ideas. Initiatives such as the creation of social impact startups or the promotion of the circular economy largely originate from these generations, who must be heard and involved in decision-making.
--- Which business sectors do you think Barcelona should bet on?
--- Barcelona must strengthen strategic sectors, such as pharmaceuticals. With the biomedical hub in the Parc de Recerca Biomèdica and leading companies in the sector, it is key for the economy. It must also bet on electric mobility, as the promotion of sustainable mobility and projects such as Wallbox and Seat and Cupra position the city as a benchmark. In addition, it must boost gastronomy, because it is not only a tourist engine, but innovation in sustainable food is a great opportunity. And, of course, it must bet on green and digital technology: Barcelona is already a technological hub, and betting on AI and renewable energies will strengthen its competitiveness.