Life Science Chapter: Boosting Barcelona’s Life Science Ecosystem

Barcelona & Partners has been working for the past year on the Life Science Chapter, a collaborative initiative driven by Barcelona Global. Over the course of this project, we have united 125 leaders from across the Life Sciences sector—CEOs and executives from biomedical and pharmaceutical companies, research centre heads, hospital leaders, academics, and entrepreneurs. Together, we have worked towards a shared vision: to establish Barcelona as a leading force in Life Sciences at the European level.

   

 

As part of our strategic priorities, Barcelona & Partners is deeply committed to supporting the Life Sciences sector. Our aim is not only to increase the number of companies based in the city but also to solidify Barcelona’s role as a global hub for innovation and cutting-edge research.

The project was structured around five key focus areas: Financing, Integrated Ecosystem, Infrastructure, Talent, and International Branding. These areas have been instrumental in crafting key proposals to propel Barcelona’s Life Sciences ecosystem forward.

 

Key Proposals to Transform the Sector

  1. Establish a Public-Private Capital Fund: One of the most vital proposals is the creation of a €50-100 million public-private capital fund to support early-stage Life Sciences projects. This fund aims to fill the financing gap that often hinders the growth of innovative startups and emerging research.
  2. Develop a Map of Life Sciences Infrastructure: To help businesses, researchers, and entrepreneurs navigate the sector, a comprehensive map of Barcelona’s Life Sciences infrastructure will be developed. This resource will highlight key facilities, support services, and collaboration opportunities within the region.
  3. Centralised Data-Sharing Platform for Innovation and Research: With data becoming increasingly important in advancing Life Sciences, the creation of a centralised platform for data sharing will enable researchers and innovators to collaborate more effectively, accelerating scientific breakthroughs.
  4. Specialised University Education and Executive Training: To meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the sector, we propose the development of specialised university programmes that combine biomedicine and technology, as well as executive training courses to equip professionals with the leadership skills necessary to drive innovation.
  5. Develop a Strategic Guide to Enhance Barcelona’s International Brand: Strengthening Barcelona’s position as a global Life Sciences leader requires a strategic approach to international branding. A comprehensive guide will be developed to promote the city’s strengths and attract global talent, investment, and partnerships in biomedical research and development.

 

These proposals are designed to create an ecosystem that fosters innovation, attracts world-class talent, and ensures Barcelona remains at the cutting edge of Life Sciences. With the continued collaboration of all stakeholders, we are confident that the city is on track to become a major player in Life Sciences, not just in Europe, but globally.

As we move forward, Barcelona & Partners will continue to support the growth and development of the Life Sciences sector, ensuring that Barcelona’s role as a hub for biomedical research and innovation continues to thrive.