"Quality education and digital skills are key for young people," by Eric Antràs

What do you expect from the Barcelona of 2040?

I envision a sustainable Barcelona, with efficient mobility and people-centered urban planning. A dynamic and digitalized city that fosters innovation while preserving its cultural essence. This means finding a balance between global openness and internal development, between attracting international talent and promoting and recognizing local talent.

Which city would you compare Barcelona to?

I’m ambitious, I would compare it to Sydney and New York for their balance between quality of life, global connectivity, and economic development. Both are vibrant cities with strong appeal in tourism and technology. Sydney has successfully combined economic growth with the preservation of its natural environment, offering modern urban spaces alongside vast green areas and beaches. New York, on the other hand, stands out for its business dynamism, cultural diversity, and ability to attract talent from around the world, serving as a global financial and technological hub. The combination of these models could inspire Barcelona to enhance its competitiveness and sustainability.

Which city model do you think Barcelona should resemble?

Barcelona should take inspiration from cities like Singapore, which has achieved a balance between economic growth, sustainability, and efficient mobility. Singapore is a benchmark in planned urbanism, with green infrastructure, advanced transport policies, and an innovation ecosystem that drives its global competitiveness. However, its restrictive political model presents challenges in terms of citizen participation and individual freedoms, which must be considered when adapting its best practices to a democratic and participatory context like Barcelona’s.

What is the main challenge Barcelona must address in the coming years?

The main challenge is sustainable growth. Affordable housing, efficient mobility, and the diversification of the productive fabric are key to avoiding gentrification and ensuring opportunities for all. In addition, the city must face the challenge of wage competitiveness, especially with the arrival of digital nomads working remotely for foreign companies with salaries higher than local ones. This creates a gap that affects residents and distorts the labor market and cost of living. Barcelona must find ways to retain local talent and promote working conditions that allow it to compete in this new globalized environment. And (ironically), perhaps also consider a limit on the number of bars..

What do you think should be the role of the new generations and their involvement in the development of the city?

The new generations must lead the digital and sustainable transformation of the city, promoting a model of active participation in decision-making and committing to innovation and entrepreneurship. Moreover, students must be highly prepared, as Barcelona’s future is global, and so is the competition. Quality education and the development of digital skills will be key for young people to compete in an increasingly internationalized market.

What business sectors do you think Barcelona should invest in?

After completing the Barcelona Global program, I’ve realized that all sectors are highly relevant to the city. While we may lead in some more than others, Barcelona is an ecosystem where everything coexists, and efforts must be precisely calibrated. I think, if the program has taught me anything, it’s that no one has absolute certainty to answer this question definitively. What I am sure of is that the city must continue to commit to a balanced development model, where medicine, technology, logistics, tourism, industry, science, and culture work together to build a strong, competitive, and global Barcelona.