Located in Barcelona's former industrial heartland of Poblenou, the 22@ Barcelona Innovation District stands as a leading example of urban transformation in Europe. This 200-hectare area represents a strategic commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy, acting as a hub for over 10,000 companies and supporting 150,000 jobs. At its core, 22@ aims to reshape the urban landscape by integrating innovative technologies and fostering collaboration between businesses, research institutions, and the local community.
The district actively promotes the development and implementation of smart city solutions, serving as a testbed for technologies such as smart lighting, advanced sensor networks, and interconnected urban services. These initiatives strive to improve the quality of life for citizens, enhance resource efficiency, and drive sustainable urban development. Major players like Cisco, Microsoft, and the Barcelona Media Innovation Centre have established a significant presence, contributing to 22@'s vibrant ecosystem. Ultimately, 22@ Barcelona offers valuable lessons and best practices for other European cities looking to revitalise industrial areas and embrace the potential of smart technologies to build more innovative and sustainable urban environments.