Economy, Tax, Economic Promotion and Tourism

The core goal is to promote the digitalisation of the tourism economy through a series of comprehensive strategies. Firstly, a grant programme is set to be launched to support the digitalisation of the private tourism sector with the aim of encouraging business associations to take the lead in optimising resource coordination and avoid the fragmentation of financial aid. Close cooperation between the public and private sectors will be fostered, with an emphasis on key areas such as promotion, marketing and tourism management. Additionally, plans are in place to digitalise the promotion and management of tourism in Barcelona through an agreement with the Tourism Consortium, integrating a broad perspective on the visitor journey and promoting innovative technologies, such as collaboration with the Ciutat Vella District to analyse tourist flows.

The Digitalisation Plan for the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) aims to promote basic digitalisation across all SSE sectors, support projects within the SSE with tech business models and foster the growth of a technology supply sector within Barcelona's SSE. These objectives will primarily be carried out through Barcelona Activa’s specialised SSE services in conjunction with universities and other stakeholders to generate knowledge. This plan includes specific grants for digitalisation projects within SSE organisations, awareness-raising sessions on digitalisation and support for the TechBloc4 pilot programme by the Confederation of Cooperatives of Catalonia and Barcelona Activa’s DigiSAESS to develop digital technologies tailored to the SSE.

The digital transformation project for Barcelona’s markets continues with the implementation of the Municipal Markets Digitalisation Plan, which aims to modernise and optimise internal management while enhancing services provided to retailers and customers. A market web platform is being launched, and digital communication is being adapted to align with the objectives of the market network’s communication and branding plan. 

Additionally, integrated refrigerated lockers are being rolled out, new back-office programmes for internal management are being introduced and a digital image repository has been created. A network of sensors to monitor the equipment and facilities in the markets is being installed.

Mercabarna is undergoing significant digitalisation with several key projects. These include the implementation of smart containers to improve waste management, the launch of a web platform for international wholesalers in collaboration with T-Systems and the introduction of a tracking system to ensure product traceability at access points. These initiatives aim to optimise operations, improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the market and promote more sustainable and technologically advanced practices in produce handling.

Barcelona City Council, through Barcelona Activa, provides extensive support in digital transformation for businesses, self-employed workers and city residents in general. Through its digitalisation service for SMEs and self-employed workers, it offers advice and assistance with the application process for the Digital Kit, an initiative designed to promote the implementation of digital solutions that enhance businesses’ technological maturity. 

Barcelona City Council, through Barcelona Activa, has a long history of promoting technology training initiatives such as Cibernàrium, IT Academy and 42Barcelona.  These programmes aim to enhance citizens’ digital skills to improve their autonomy in the digital environment and foster their personal and professional growth. Additionally, they contribute to boosting business competitiveness in the digital sector.

Specialised training courses are regularly offered to meet the demands of the current job market, covering topics such as programming, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and other key areas. These programmes are designed for both young people and professionals looking to develop their careers in high-growth tech sectors.

This plan, led by Barcelona Activa in conjunction with the Barcelona Education Consortium, aims to ensure equal opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. As the result of a public-private collaboration, the plan brings together experts to implement educational and training initiatives. With the goal of promoting digital talent and equity, empowering teachers in scientific and technological methodologies and breaking gender stereotypes, the plan seeks to transform Barcelona’s educational and professional ecosystem. In the long term, it aims to increase participation in STEAM fields, diversify talent and lower gender inequalities. By doing so, Barcelona aspires to become a benchmark in STEAM innovation and education, ensuring a citizenry prepared for the challenges of an evolving technological world.