«What Barcelona Can Learn from an Alpine Valley», by Ivet Folch

What can we learn from the city where you live?

I work as a biotechnologist in pharmaceutical production in Visp, a small town in the canton of Valais surrounded by the Swiss Alps. The contrast is striking: I live in a mountain valley, yet at the same time I work at one of the Lonza Group’s most important industrial sites, dedicated to the development and manufacturing of pharmaceutical and biotechnology products. The company’s Visp site employs more than 4.700 people from 70 nationalities, creating an international environment that can be felt every day.

Valais is bilingual, with both French and German spoken, and I have been particularly struck by the respect for the local language in each area. In the French-speaking part, everyday life takes place in French, while in Visp it is in German. No one seems to see this as an obstacle; on the contrary, this international character enriches the region. Working in a production facility is allowing me to understand biotechnology beyond theory. I work shifts, a demanding schedule that is balanced by good working conditions and pay. But what stands out to me about Switzerland is not only the work, but also the way this identity is such a natural part of the region and is simply accepted.

How can Barcelona attract young talent as Switzerland does?

Barcelona has universities, scientific talent, leading hospitals and a biotechnology ecosystem with great potential. The main lesson I take from Visp is seeing what happens when a highly specialised industry creates stable and attractive career opportunities for young people too. In Switzerland, I have found a working environment that allows me, at the age of 24, to work in my field, take on responsibilities within a pharmaceutical production facility and have the conditions to build a life for myself.

Barcelona should aim to attract and retain more young talent by offering opportunities of this calibre and strengthening the links between universities, research and industry. It is not only about salary, but also about giving early-career professionals opportunities for growth and responsibility. I would also take another lesson from Valais: it is possible to be international without losing local identity. Visp is home to professionals from dozens of nationalities, yet German remains firmly part of everyday life. Barcelona, equally open and cosmopolitan, can continue to attract international talent while keeping Catalan a living, useful and shared language.

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