Companies are attracted by Barcelona’s technological district 22@

Barcelona (ACN).- In the first half of this year, 26 new knowledge-intensive companies have moved to the 22 @, a figure similar to new arrivals in 2010. Currently, the district has a total of 1,500 companies of which three out of four are developing their activity in sectors intensive in knowledge and technology. Furthermore, over 50% of these businesses are linked with the media, ICT, medical technology, energy and design. This year, its turnover has increased by 5.4% against the 2008 census. On Wednesday, Sònia Recasens, one of Barcelona’s Deputy Mayors, ??visited the offices of two multinational companies in the 22 @ industrial park, together with other members of Barcelona City Council. These were Atos Origin, a leading information technology services and Groupalia, private seller of club brands on the internet.

The 1,500 knowledge-intensive companies that currently operate from the 22 @ district employ approximately 44,600 workers.

During the visit, the Acting Mayor was particularly interested in the importance these companies give to innovation as she believes that commitment to innovation is "essential for economic growth in the city." She also said that the city council of Barcelona "wants to help companies that are committed to investing in innovative ideas" and will do so through the relationship between "business enterprise and university research."