"Young people must be clear about which course to follow so that Barcelona can continue evolving", by Albert Chamorro

Albert Chamorro is the CEO of V2 Group, a company specialized in large-format additive manufacturing for the nautical and naval sector, offering innovative 3D printing and prototyping services for luxury yacht builders.

What do you expect from the Barcelona of 2040?

I envision a Barcelona that maintains its globally recognized appeal and dynamism without losing its cultural identity. I also trust it will continue to position itself as a benchmark in innovation, talent attraction, sustainability, and quality of life—prioritizing public transportation that better connects the city with its metropolitan area and frees up public spaces for its citizens.

Which city would you compare Barcelona to?

Barcelona is, above all, a Mediterranean city with a strong identity in each of its neighborhoods and the surrounding metropolitan municipalities. This makes it difficult to compare directly with other cities. However, it shares traits with places like Amsterdam, due to its commitment to sustainable mobility, or Copenhagen, for its people-centered urban planning.

Which city model do you think Barcelona should resemble?

Barcelona must follow its own path, adapting its growth to its Mediterranean identity and its social and economic realities. It should not copy other models, but rather develop an urban plan that prioritizes sustainability, accessibility, and quality of life. It can draw inspiration from Vienna for its balance between affordable housing and public space, from Copenhagen for its sustainable mobility, from Sydney for its integration of port, city, and nature, and from London for its ability to become a magnet for economic activity.

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

Barcelona must reaffirm itself as a global benchmark city by consolidating a shared direction that integrates its historical identity with its role as a driver of innovation, culture, and sustainability. To achieve this, the city must define a strategic vision that not only projects it into the future but also respects and values its heritage, fostering balanced and sustainable development. One of Barcelona’s greatest challenges is the need to harmonize the expectations and aspirations of its diverse stakeholders: lifelong residents, those who have chosen the city as their home, and tourists. Preventing fragmentation that could lead to tensions or hinder progress is key to ensuring a cohesive and resilient city. In this regard, the coexistence of these different perspectives should not be seen as an obstacle, but as an opportunity to evolve in an inclusive way. Only through balanced urban growth, improved quality of life, and a stronger social fabric will it be possible to preserve Barcelona’s essence while embracing its capacity for transformation and leadership on the international stage.

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

Cities are, at their core, defined by the people who inhabit them. That’s why young people must be clear about which course to follow to ensure that Barcelona continues to evolve and leaves a better legacy for those who come after. Their participation is key to driving changes that improve quality of life and secure a balanced future for all. From engaging in decision-making to defending public space and exploring new economic and urban models, young people can play a vital role in Barcelona’s transformation. Embracing technological innovation, social entrepreneurship, and new forms of collaboration will make it possible to face future challenges without losing the city’s essence. Through dialogue, civic participation, and the promotion of creative initiatives, Barcelona can move forward with a shared vision that balances modernity and tradition, growth and sustainability—establishing itself as a model of an innovative city committed to its people.

What do you believe should be the role of new generations and their involvement in the city’s development? implicación en el desarrollo de la ciudad?

Barcelona must strengthen its digital economy, sustainable mobility, and biotechnology sectors, while also consolidating its position in the creative and cultural industries. But above all, it must look to the sea. As a leading port city, Barcelona has the opportunity to lead the development of sustainable maritime technologies: championing port electrification, green fuels for naval transport, and advanced maritime logistics. Maritime transport is the most sustainable large-scale option, and Barcelona has the potential to become a key hub for innovation in this field.