The 22@ is one of Barcelona's most ambitious and emblematic urban transformation projects. Since its creation, it has been able to convert an old industrial fabric into an ecosystem of innovation, knowledge, and economic activity. But the world changes, and with it, cities. The 22@ must continue to evolve to remain relevant, competitive, and inspiring.
The future of 22@ cannot be understood solely from a business or technological perspective. A broader view is needed, integrating urban planning, sustainability, social cohesion, and quality of life. In this sense, Carlos Moreno's concept of "the 15-minute city" —where people can access essential services, work, study, and enjoy leisure within a short distance from home— offers us a clear guide to rethinking the district.
This new urban vision poses important challenges for 22@: How to ensure a balanced density between economic activity and neighborhood life? How to ensure that business growth does not come at the expense of affordable housing, green spaces, or public facilities? How to make innovation serve people and not just businesses?
The 22@ of the future must be, in my opinion, a hybrid district, where innovation coexists with daily life, and where companies share space with schools, libraries, parks, and homes. It must be an environment that promotes applied innovation, one that solves real problems and generates tangible impact in the territory.
Similarly, it must be a living laboratory, where solutions that have a real impact on the city can be experimented with, learned, and applied; an inclusive and sustainable space, that integrates the social and cultural diversity of Poblenou, and that makes environmental responsibility a structural axis. All this while being a talent hub, that attracts and retains professionals, entrepreneurs, and researchers, offering them opportunities for growth and collaboration.
For 22@ to continue being a benchmark, it is also necessary to reinforce its own identity. Preserving the industrial memory of the neighborhood, enhancing creativity as a differential value, and promoting shared governance among public and private actors and citizens. The district must be able to anticipate the changes to come —digitalization, artificial intelligence, energy transition, new work models— and prepare to face them with agility.
For 22@ to continue being a benchmark, it is also necessary to reinforce its own identity22@ must also be a trend observatory, a space for active reflection where knowledge is generated, experiences are shared, and solutions are built.A place where ideas become projects, and projects become results. Where technology serves people, and where innovation is the engine of shared progress.
Ultimately, the 22@ of the future must be a district that listens, acts, and transforms. A space that connects talent, opportunities, and quality of life. A city model that inspires, innovates, and cares.