Barcelona: A case study on building an effective startup ecosystem

Barcelona has become a hub for startups and innovation, thanks to its digital transformation policies that have created an effective startup ecosystem. In this article, we will explore the key elements of Barcelona’s startup ecosystem and how local policies have been used to create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs.

This is what the scientific publication we present today is all about, which has been prepared by Enric Serradell López, member of the Management & eLearning (MeL) research group, together with Francesc Font Cot and Pablo Lara Navarra. The publication was published in Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy in 2023.

The Role of Government in Digital Transformation

The role of government in digital transformation is to ensure that digital infrastructure is reliable and efficient enough to guarantee an entrepreneurial ecosystem for investment in innovation and startups. In Barcelona, local policies have been used to create an effective startup ecosystem that has attracted entrepreneurs from all over the world.

Creating a Supportive Environment for Entrepreneurs

One of the key elements of Barcelona’s startup ecosystem is the creation of a supportive environment for entrepreneurs. This includes providing access to resources and funding, as well as creating a culture that encourages innovation and risk-taking. Local government has played a crucial role in creating this environment by providing funding and resources to startups, as well as creating programs that support entrepreneurship.

Attracting Foreign Capital and Talent

Another key element of Barcelona’s startup ecosystem is the attraction of foreign capital and talent. The city has become a hub for international startups, thanks to its supportive environment and access to funding and resources. The government has also created programs that attract foreign talent, such as the Barcelona Global program, which aims to attract international talent to the city.

A Three-Stage Framework for Building a Successful Startup Ecosystem

Based on the experiences of Barcelona’s first generation of entrepreneurs, the authors of this article have presented a three-stage framework for building a successful startup ecosystem. The first stage involves creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, the second stage involves attracting foreign capital and talent, and the third stage involves creating a culture of innovation and risk-taking.

Conclusion

This paper provides a theoretical look at how implementing digital transformation policies can help create and energize entrepreneurial ecosystems by applying effective strategies and providing new incentives to stimulate and support the creation of new companies. An example of this is the BCN Green Deal agenda, a road map open to all social actors that outlines the main strategic lines that should guide the digital economic future of the city and its promotion.

Consult the study

You can read the full article for free by clicking here.