IN-PERSON Barcelona Livable Cities. Section A

Abstract

Knowledge cities, as a progression from traditional science parks, have become central to urban renewal efforts in the knowledge-based economy. 22@Barcelona, a pioneering project, exemplifies this transition by transforming an obsolete industrial district in Poblenou into a vibrant knowledge-based area of innovation. Leveraging the triple helix model, which integrates universities, industry, and government, the project adopts a multidimensional approach encompassing urban, economic, and social development. Since its inception in 2000, 22@Barcelona has established itself as an international benchmark for innovation districts, attracting more than 12,000 companies and generating more than 100,000 jobs, fostering clusters in ICT, media, health, energy, and design sectors. This initiative promotes sustainable development through integrated smart city infrastructures, urban planning, and social cohesion. By employing the lifecycle framework for areas of innovation, the project illustrates distinct phases: inception, launching, growth, and maturity, with evolving roles of triple helix agents in each stage. Beyond economic revitalization, 22@Barcelona fosters talent through university partnerships, technological research centers, and social programs, creating a dynamic ecosystem for innovation. This presenation highlights its governance model as a blueprint for urban planners aiming to adapt industrial zones to the knowledge economy. The findings contribute to the discourse on sustainable urban innovation, providing practical insights for replicating similar initiatives globally. The study underscores the importance of a co-evolutionary approach among stakeholders, ensuring the long-term viability of knowledge cities in a rapidly changing global landscape.