The higher education sector in Barcelona

The Higher
Education Sector
in Barcelona

Edition
Barcelona City Council
Economic, Business and Employment Area
Llacuna 162
08018 Barcelona
www.bcn.cat/barcelonabusiness

With the help of

Design and layout: g.grafic

D.L. (Copyright): B-38802-2011
Barcelona, November 2011
Table of contents
01. Barcelona, the Mediterranean’s innovation hub 05

02. 10 reasons to invest in Barcelona 06

03. Higher Education, a strategic sector
for Barcelona and Catalonia 08

04. 10 reasons that make Barcelona and Catalonia
a benchmark in Higher Education
01. A strategic sector for Barcelona and Catalonia 10
02. Catalonia’s Higher Education system 12
03. A range of excellent and specialised programmes 14
04. Quality and sophisticated research 16
05. Benchmark knowledge facilities 18
06. The city’s main projects 20
07. Do it in Barcelona: capacity to generate and attract talent 22
08. Barcelona University Centre: welcoming, accommodation
and living in Barcelona 24
09. Higher Education in the city environment. Barcelona, an open
door of resources to accompany you 25
10. Testimonials about Barcelona and Higher Education 26

05. Links 27

01
Barcelona,
the Mediterranean’s
innovation hub

EUro-MEDiTErrANEAN rEgioN
CATALoNiA
BArCELoNA

Barcelona, located in northeast Spain economy in the city, driving Barcelona’s Council and new technological innova-
on the Mediterranean coast, is one of strategic leadership in these fields. tion districts are the main driving forces
the main European metropolises and Catalonia is currently home to more behind international economic activity
the center of an extensive metropolitan than 3,400 international companies in the Barcelona area.
area with more than 160 municipalities, and received 37% of all foreign invest-
home to nearly 5 million inhabitants. It ment in Spain in 2010, with 90% this Regarding this last aspect -and given
is the economic, cultural and adminis- invested in the Barcelona area. its importance for the development
trative capital of Catalonia and leads an of competitiveness, productivity,
emerging economic area in southern Taking into account the gross value attracting and retaining talent, and the
Europe, with 17 million inhabitants added by sector of activity, Catalonia, internationalisation of companies-,
and more than 800,000 companies. in terms of industry, carries the most Higher Education is a key sector for
This EuroMediterranean region, which weight of all autonomous communi- Barcelona and Catalonia. Barcelona
includes the Balearic Islands, Valencia, ties in Spain (25.2%) and, regarding and Catalonia have positioned them-
Aragon and southeast France, focuses services, is ranked second in the nation selves as international benchmarks in
mainly on new strategic sectors that for gross value added generated. the training sector, bringing together
are competitive and international. It is Catalonia concentrates 23% of all 12 universities, a variety of top bu-
consolidating its position an interna- innovative companies and 20% of the siness schools and more than thirty
tional level as one of the main Euro- total expenditure on innovative activi- international schools that all together
pean metropolises. ties in Spain. offer more than 500 masters and
postgraduate programmes to more

The Higher Education Sector in Barcelona
With a long industrial tradition and a Additionally, Barcelona’s entrepreneu- than 233,000 students.
dense business fabric, Barcelona’s rial activity rate in 2010 was 5.5%,
economic structure is highly diversified. above both the Spanish and European This wide ranging offer has meant
More traditional sectors coexist with averages according to the Global En- that 36.9% of Catalonia’s population
new sectors of emerging activities to trepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2010. now has university studies, rates that
create new knowledge clusters that are higher than the European average
prioritize specialization and competitive- Barcelona’s Trade Fair, Port, Airport, (29.7%), and a trend which is still
ness, focus on internationalization, and Zona Franca Consortium, Barcelona increasing.
help create a dynamic and innovative Tourism Consortium, Barcelona City

05

02
10 reasons
to invest in
Barcelona
Barcelona offers a 01. Strategic geographic location 06. Human resources prepared for the future
number of different Two hours by road from France and one day from the main European Highly responsible; highly productive, one of the best in Europe according to the
elements that make cities. The gateway to Southern Europe and capital of the Union for the oECD; 8 public and private universities; a number of prestigious business schools
it an attractive place Mediterranean, Barcelona’s port, airport, logistics parks, international including ESADE, iESE and EADA; 33 international schools; wide-spread use of
to live, work and do trade fairs and city center are found within a five-kilometer radius. new technology and a natural tendency for innovation and creativity.
business. Today the
city is a highly 02. Comprehensive transport infrastructure 07. Excellent quality of life
interesting location A network of motorways connected to Europe; the fastest growing air- ranked first among European cities for quality of life*. Temperate climate, sun,
for new economic port in Europe; the top Spanish port and largest container port in the beach, skiing; great cultural activities; an ample network of quality educational ins-
activities. Some Mediterranean; wide reaching underground, train and bus networks; titutions; modern and accessible healthcare system; easily accessible using public
transport; and a network of natural parks surrounding the city.
good reasons to high-speed train connections to the European rail network as of 2013.
invest here are as
follows 03. Center of a large, dynamic and diverse 08. Large-scale urban-planning projects for
the future
economic area
Transformation of 1,000 ha and 7 million m2 of floor space.
The Barcelona area has nearly 5 million inhabitants. it is the capital of Ca-
Llobregat Area: commitment to logistics, aerospace and mobility, with expansion
talonia, with 7.5 million inhabitants, and the center of the Mediterranean
of the port and airport.
Basin, an economic area with 18 million inhabitants. it accounts for 70%
Besòs Area: urban renewal, universities and research and innovation centers;
of Catalonia’s gDP, and is the sixth largest urban area in Europe and has
Porta Europa-La Sagrera: arrival of the high-speed train; 22@Barcelona: the new
the fifth highest concentration in Europe in terms of industry.
technology and innovation district, and the Diagonal-Besòs Campus for activities
related to energy, water and sustainable mobility.
04. Successful foreign investment Vallès Area: strategic concentration of technology, nanotechnology and research
Barcelona is ranked the sixth best city in Europe for business*, and Ca- facilities; the Alba Synchrotron, the Vallès Technology Park and the UAB re-
search Park.
talonia accounts for approximately 34% of all foreign investment in Spain
and is home to more than 3,400 foreign companies.
09. Competitive real estate market
05. Internationally renowned positioning Wide range of offices, retail spaces and industrial warehouses with excellent
price/quality balance and a high occupation rate.
Barcelona tops a number of international rankings, which rate its urban


environment, ability to attract foreign capital, entrepreneurial spirit and
quality of life very highly. 10. Unique public/private cooperation
Barcelona City Council and the Catalan government are highly committed to
companies; the success of traditional public/private collaborations has been key
to Barcelona’s transformation.

*According to Cushman & Wakefield, European Cities Monitor 2011.

06 07

03
Higher
Education, a
strategic sector
for Barcelona
and Catalonia
Different faculties of Barcelona

Barcelona has always had a Catalonia has a total of 233,538 Education institutions are training has more than 233,000 students, These fit perfectly with the Higher The objective of this document is
strong commitment to make students at 12 universities, 8 of the researchers, professionals and with about 20,000 coming from Education priorities promoted by to explain the current and future
its Higher Education sector which are located in the metropoli- entrepreneurs of the future. In short, outside Catalonia, and the majority Barcelona in recent years: a range trends of the Higher Education sec-
tan area of Barcelona, and first-rate they generate talent for society. The of these attending universities in the of high-quality degree and graduate tor in Barcelona and more generally
an engine for its economy,
business schools -two of these ability to attract and retain this talent metropolitan area of Barcelona. programmes, excellence in certain in Catalonia and its basic characte-
knowledge-generation and
are among the top 25 in the world, is a key to success for businesses This positioning hasn’t been limited fields of specialisation, the capacity ristics, via the following 10 points:
innovation. It is a strategic
according to international rankings. and regions that want to be innovati- to the local sphere, but rather to generate and attract talent, the
sector that will be develo- In terms of university research, ve and competitive in a high growth extended to the global environment, internationalisation of the sector, 01 A strategic sector for
ped over the coming years, Catalonia boasts more than 550 environment subject to continuous effectively putting Barcelona on the support for the creation of quality and Barcelona and Catalonia
according to the strategic consolidated research groups, 137 change in terms of technology, eco- map in terms of being a benchmark added value jobs, and the promotion 02 Catalonia’s Higher Education
plan “Barcelona Vision R&D centres and over 300 univer- nomics and business. in Higher Education, especially in of entrepreneurship. system
2020”, which explicitly sity departments. According to data certain subject areas. 03 A range of excellent and
identifies this area as one of from Eurostat (2009), 36.9% of the A few years ago, Catalonia, and specialised programmes
the potential motors for the population in Catalonia has univer- Barcelona in particular, started This trend towards the internationa- 04 Quality and sophisticated
economy of the Metropolitan sity degrees, significantly above the positioning itself as an international lisation of Higher Education offered research
Region of Barcelona. European average of 29.7%, and benchmark in education -under- at Catalan institutions has increa-
05 Benchmark knowledge facilities
following a clear upward trend. graduate and especially graduate sed over recent years and is now a
06 The city’s main projects
studies- with the capacity to produce strategic priority, especially given the
07 Do it in Barcelona: capacity to
Higher Education institutions, which a skilled and talented workforce, and framework of the European Higher
generate and attract talent


are responsible for transmitting yet also capable of attracting talent Education Area (EHEA), initiated by
knowledge through undergraduate from around the world- all this with the 1999 Bologna Declaration.
08 Barcelona University Centre:
and graduate degrees, are also the objective of creating a dynamic welcoming, accommodation
major generators of new knowledge economy, generating new knowled- EHEA is based on four principles:
and living in Barcelona
across all disciplines, both in terms ge and stimulating innovation and quality teaching, the mobility of 09 Higher Education in the city
of basic knowledge and that applied its transformation, and as such students and teachers, recognition environment
through technology development contributing to economic and social of teaching diversity, and improving 10 Testimonials about Barcelona
and applications. As such, Higher development. Currently Catalonia the competitiveness of graduates in and Higher Education
Europe’s open labour market.

08 09

04
10 reasons
that make
Barcelona
and Catalonia
a benchmark
in Higher
Education
01.
A STrATEgIC
SECTor for
BArCELonA
And CATALonIA
Barcelona has built up a significant As well, Barcelona has made a stra-
business fabric, the result of a long tegic commitment to the develop-
and deeply-rooted industrial tra- ment and consolidation of emerging
dition that has consolidated many industries such as Information and
industries and clusters of innovative Communications Technology (ICT),
and very competitive companies. design, media, energy and biotech-
Catalonia and Barcelona’s busi- nology. These sectors have become
ness frame is characterised by the clusters, mostly located in the city’s
dominance of SMEs (Small and innovation district, 22@Barcelona.
Medium Enterprises), but also in In this district alone there are more
terms of internationally recognised than 4,500 companies employing
firms in the fields of infrastructure more than 56,000 employees. These


management, energy, and financial businesses are committed to innova-
services. It is also a very strong in tion and the creation of high added
the services sector in general, value employment and they especia-
especially the development of the lly need the talent that is emerging
tourism sector as a major driver for from Catalonia’s Higher Education
the local economy. institutions or from other countries.

10 11

04

10 reasons
that make
Barcelona and
Catalonia a
benchmark in
Higher Education

Another university brings together on- order to contribute to the social and ranking by the Financial Times. At
line studies: economic development of its local the European level, IESE was placed
environment. fourth and ESADE seventh, regar-
Open University of Catalonia University of Girona (UdG): was ding the ranking of the best MBA full
(UOC): which was created in 1995 established in 1991 with a clear time programmes in Europe.
thanks to the development of new

02.
vocation to serve its community and EAE, BES-La Salle, ESIC and BSM
information technologies (ICT) and the world. Here there are more than (IDEC), amongst others, also have
the information society that developed forty degrees on offer in 5 areas of strong international reputations.
around it, and that offers an educatio- knowledge: science, health scien-
CATALonIA’S nal model based on the personalisation ces, social sciences, humanities and Inter-university postgraduate
HIgHEr of courses, accompanying students in technical sciences. specialist platforms
an on-line context
EdUCATIon University of Lleida (UL): was foun- Some prominent examples of
platforms also located in Barcelona
SySTEM There are also the following private
ded in 1991. Because of its relation-
include Barcelona Graduate School of
ship with the local community, UdL is
universities: noted for its agricultural and forestry Economics (BGSE), including the par-
Ramon Llull University (URL): studies, but also in other areas. ticipation of the UPF and the UAB and
Founded in March 1990, its taught the Institute of International Studies
University of Vic (UVic): since 1997
courses are varied, but specialise in (IBEI) with the active participation of
Catalonia and Barcelona The Catalan Education system is Polytechnic University of Catalonia UVic offers applied teaching, which is
the social sciences area and others the UB, UAB, UPF, and the UOC.
made up by: (UPC): It has its beginnings in what both open and transparent, focusing
in particular have a large like engineering, architecture or the
was then known as the Higher Tech- on the changing needs of society. It
number of Higher Education Universities health sciences and sports. The Catalan education system focuses
nical Institute founded in 1968 and has studies in experimental science
institutions with a proven 12 universities form part of the
International University of Cata- and technology in medical sciences,
on excellence in teaching, research
Catalan Education system. which brought together the existing
track record and significant lonia (UIC): Founded in October the humanities, and social sciences.
and development initiatives that boost
The Metropolitan Region of Bar- technical schools in Barcelona of
international prestige. 1997, it offers studies in such
both these aspects.
celona boasts the following public the time. In 1971, this became the
UPC. Over the years other techni- diverse areas as law, architecture, University Foundations
universities:
These institutions are well connec- management and public administra- These include IL·3 (UB), IDEC (UPF), Catalonia has 12 universities,
cal schools joined the UPC and its
ted to Higher Education institutions University of Barcelona (UB): ba- tion, areas related to health sciences and the Polytechnic Foundation of 8 of these in Barcelona and its
university sites spread across the
in other countries, via permanent sed in Barcelona, this is Catalonia’s and information technology, among Catalonia - FPC (Technical University metropolitan area.
pioneering university with 555 years country. Its teaching programmes
and firm collaboration agreements others. of Catalonia), the International Gra- The best-placed Spanish universi-
of history behind it. It has numerous are basically in the technology and
aimed at encouraging student duate Institute (UOC), which provide ties in the international university
science areas. Abat Oliba University (UAO):
mobility between institutions, coor- sites and affiliated centres and its Life Long Learning programs to rankings are located in Barce-
started offering courses in 1974. Its
dinating research, or collaborating main programmes are in the fields Pompeu Fabra University (UPF): professionals and companies mainly lona. Barcelona has exceptional
teaching focus is mainly on econo-
with the teaching of graduate pro- of social sciences and the sciences. established in 1990, it has three aimed at professionals, with a high business schools, positioned
mics and social sciences.


grammes. As such, thanks to this Autonomous University of Bar- campuses located in the heart of degree of specialisation. high in international benchmark
international experience and aca- celona (UAB): Founded in 1968, the city. With a recognised teaching rankings. 2 of these are amongst
Outside the metropolitan area, there
demic and research background, it offers a wide range of studies quality, highly targeted research, and Business Schools the world’s top 25, namely IESE
are four other universities:
Catalonia’s institutions have beco- both in science and social scien- high levels of internationalization, it Barcelona has one of Europe’s and ESADE, and they attract huge
me true international benchmarks ces. It now has three campuses: focuses on three areas of experti- Rovira i Virgili University (URV), highest concentrations of presti- student interest from around the
in some areas of knowledge. Bellaterra focused on teaching and se: social sciences and humanities, in Tarragona-Reus, was created in gious business schools. Especially world. Barcelona comes 8th regar-
research; Sabadell for technology, health sciences and life sciences, 1991. With a range of about 50 noteworthy are IESE, ESADE, and ding the top cities preferred by
work and enterprise, and finally, and communication and information courses, its main objective is to put EADA, which are among the best students for an MBA.
Sant Pau for the health sciences. technologies. knowledge to work for society in schools in the world, according to a

12 13

04

10 reasons
that make
Barcelona and
Catalonia a
benchmark in
Higher Education

03.
A rAngE of
ExCELLEnT And
SpECIALISEd
progrAM

Catalonia and Barcelona In Catalonia, education insti- Barcelona and its strategic Many programs offered by the These programmes have partly or
tutions offer more than 500 commitment to inter-university University Students:
have a wide variety of Catalan universities are part of wholly taught courses in English,
post graduate and masters and international programmes. Erasmus Mundus, along with other with international students from 233,538
graduate studies in subject
programmes. European and foreign universi- around the world that have ex- (2009-2010)
areas such as the arts and
Barcelona and its institutions of ties, and which have created very cellent academic records. These
humanities, sciences, health International students:
These programmes have three main Higher Education have always internationalised post-graduate programmes have a 60% in-take
sciences, social sciences Barcelona has 20,000
traits: they focus on research, cour- been very open to collaboration programmes. of international students.
and law, engineering and between institutions, not just in
international students. More
ses for professionals, and manage-
architecture. than 5,000 are on masters
ment training. Particularly important the same geographical area, but The support of Education
and postgraduate courses
in Barcelona are those courses also regarding a spirit of interna- institutions of excellence in
in addition to 2,000 doctoral
aimed at professions, followed by tional cooperation especially with Barcelona.
students.
research and management. universities and business schools
located in other countries. These In Barcelona there are a series Programmes:
Barcelona, a multilingual city, inter-university programmes have of Higher Education programmes 517 post graduates
this means it can offer many of been designed with others to allow that are internationally renowned


these programmes in different students to complete their training in their fields that attract students Professors and
languages, or in a combination by taking courses in more than one from around the world. These pro- investigators:
of various languages. The main institution and thus benefiting from grammes, called Masters of Global 15,486 people
teaching languages are Catalan, inter-university and often interna- Excellence, include 92 masters. (2009-2010)
Spanish and English. tional expertise. Regularly updated information can
be found at:
www.barcelonaglobalmasters.com

14 15

04

10 reasons
that make
Barcelona and
Catalonia a
benchmark in
Higher Education

Image courtesy of University of Barcelona (UB)

04.
QUALITy And
SopHISTICATEd
rESEArCH
Image courtesy of Polytechnical University of Catalonia (UPC)

Catalonia accounts for Barcelona occupies the 18th and In terms of utility models, Barce- Collaboration between
15% of the population of 6th positions in the worldwide and 38 grants grants awarded to lona and Catalonia account for universities and business Research Institutions (9)
Spain, yet it contributes European rankings respectively in Catalonia: 23.6% and 27.5% of the Spanish Companies and Higher Education
Research Centres (169)
terms of scientific output. In 2010 - Starting Grants (26) total respectively (2008). institutions also collaborate closely
20% to Spain’s GDP and
they contributed 11,798 scientific - Advanced Grants (12) with the development of specific Technology Centres (25)
generates 25% and 2.5% of
publications. 21 of the 38 grants have been research-related projects, whether
Spain’s and Europe’s scien- Scientific-technical
awarded to researchers on the Employment defined by companies themselves
tific production respectively. To achieve this reputation in Catalonia has seen the number Facilities (6)
ICREA programme, a policy or coming from university research
This is especially relevant research, Catalonia has made sig- of people engaged in intensive units, or jointly defined. The exper- Technology and Research
measure designed to attract the
in the fields of biomedicine, nificant investments that represent best talent in the world. research increase from 18,300 in tise of universities in certain areas Parks (12)
science and technology. 25.2% of all research spending in 1996 to 47,300 in 2009, reflecting and the availability of infrastruc-
The overall rate of research Spain. a wider commitment to research, in- Creativity Environments (15)
ture provide companies with new
and development (R&D) in novation and knowledge generation. ways to develop their ideas in the Support for Innovation (30)
Catalonia stood at 1.68% The improvement in research in Patents and Utility Models best way possible.
Catalonia has been recognised by With regard to the percentage of Finance for Innovation (36)
of GDP in 2009, above the Barcelona and Catalonia head the
Spanish average (1.38%). the European Research Council, ranking of applications for patents the population working in science Successful Cases (115)
with nearly 60% of their grants and utility models in Spain. In and technology, Catalonia occupies Research and Innovation


awarded to Spain between 2007 2008 there were 397 PCT patent the 5th position in the European Map
and 2010 going to researchers registrations in Barcelona, a ratio regional ranking with 630,000 wor- In 2008, Barcelona created the The map summarises Barcelona
working in centres located in of patents per million inhabitants kers boasting a higher education Research and Innovation Map. and the metropolitan area’s capa-
Catalonia (38 grants from a total of 74.92. degree engaged in these activities. Initially it included Bio and IT facili- bilities in research, technology and
of 64). Barcelona accounts for the This fact has helped attract 22% of ties, but gradually it has expanded innovation.
majority of these with 31 of the 38 Regarding patent applications, Spain’s innovation-based compa- to include more fields. Currently, it
researchers located in centres in Barcelona and Catalonia represent nies to Catalonia. boasts 417 facilities and projects
the city itself. 16.9% and 20% respectively of all across the following fields:
Spanish applications (2008).

16 17

04

10 reasons
that make
Barcelona and
Catalonia a
benchmark in
Higher Education

National Supercomputing Centre (Mare Nostrum Supercomputer)

05.
BEnCHMArk
knowLEdgE
fACILITIES
Alba Synchrotron - Consortium CELLS Barcelona Science Park (PCB)

Barcelona has several Alba Synchrotron - National Supercomputing Barcelona Biomedical Barcelona Science Park National Centre for Genome
prestigious international Consortium CELLS Centre (Mare Nostrum Research Park (PRBB) (PCB) Analysis (CNAG)
facilities with a huge po- This facility boasts the most Supercomputer) This is a major scientific facility that This facility is designed to promote This centre was created in 2009
tential for doing advanced powerful synchrotron light source This is a benchmark centre and one came about from an initiative led by innovation mainly in the field of life in order to carry out projects
in Southern Europe and it is cu- of the world’s fastest supercom- the Autonomous Regional Govern- sciences, especially incorporating analysing large-scale DNA
research. These facilities
rrently Catalonia’s most advanced puters. Its mission is to research, ment of Catalonia, Barcelona City the collaboration of universities sequences in collaboration with
are a magnet for talent,
scientific facility. It will help place develop and manage information Council and the UPF, in connection and companies. Developed by researchers from Catalonia, Spain
especially for scientists
Catalonia at the cutting edge of technologies to facilitate scientific with Barcelona’s Hospital del Mar. the University of Barcelona, it was and Europe. CNAG offers a wide
from around the world and molecular analysis applications progress. This facility is participa- It incorporates six closely coordina- range of applications, including
Spain’s first science park and has
for building and developing across many fields. Thanks to the ting in European supercomputing ted public research centres and is the complete sequencing of de
become an international bench-
new projects. synchrotron facility, many expe- projects along with 5 other EU designed to generate knowledge in mark regarding the fostering of novo genomes, the re-sequencing
rimental laboratories now stand member countries. It has more than the field of health and life sciences, innovation. The park boasts 2,200 of complete genomes, the re-
to benefit from this light source 200 researchers from over and also to transfer technology and professionals with 3 research ins- sequencing of specific regions,


on a range of different research 20 countries working there. The knowledge to the business world. titutes, 75 companies, an incubator the sequencing of micro-RNA
projects. Some 160 people -scien- main areas of research being done The profile of the 1,300 people that for biotechnology companies and (RNAseq) or mRNA, the location
tists, engineers and technicians- here are related to computer, life work there is very international. 70 research groups. of binding sites in DNA or RNA
currently work there. and Earth sciences. (ChIPseq), epigenome sequencing
and validation of genomic variants.
This facility is expected to become
one of Europe’s top 5.

18 19

04

10 reasons
that make
Barcelona and
Catalonia a
benchmark in
Higher Education

Higher Education Cluster: made a strategic commitment city’s and country’s main economic
Barcelona Campus to the information economy and development stakeholders, business
The Higher Education sector in knowledge-intensive activities, es- schools and university foundations,
Barcelona and Catalonia is in fact pecially in advanced services and and the actual business community.

06.
organised by a variety of stakehol- new economic activities. ICUF has contributed to Barcelona’s
ders that interact and work together positioning as a benchmark –in
to develop a range of highly attracti- Aligned with this objective, Bar- a permanent or temporary way-
THE MAIn ve programmes for students. The celona City Council has made a for large corporations’ executive
clearest example of this is the strategic commitment to the Higher training and an ideal meeting point
HIgHEr future association Barcelona Cam- Education sector, specifically for for those responsible for com-
EdUCATIon pus. It will establish strengthening strategic corporate training and panies’ executive education and
projECTS Barcelona’s pavilion at Expo 2010 Shangai links between academic institutions executive education, by organising management strategy all around
offering graduate programmes the first edition of the Internatio- the world. Some of the main factors
whilst jointly tackling some of the nal Corporate Universities Forum that have been decisive in this
major challenges facing the sector (ICUF) in 2010. This is designed positioning include Barcelona’s
In recent years Barcelona Some of the leading projects in - UAB CEI, a UAB project commit- and the process of adapting to the as an annual international event excellent geographical position, its
has pushed through a se- this field are: ted to knowledge generation and European Higher Education Area. for multinational executives from good international connections, and
ries of major Higher Educa- innovation. This entity represents the Higher around the world in charge of stra- its meetings facilities for hosting
tion projects that have had International Excellence Education cluster, bringing together tegic corporative education, that -in multinational companies’ strategy
Campus (CEIs) In 2010 award winners included: collaboration with the educational meetings for their management
a dual purpose. On the one all the sector’s institutions in Barce-
CEIs objectives, amongst others, are - Barcelona University Campus lona and most of those in Catalonia. stakeholders in the city- meet for teams. Barcelona is second-placed
hand, they aim to develop
to improve the quality of universities, Health (HUBc), a University of It also facilitates the collaborative two days to debate and exchange in the world ranking of cities
what will be a key economic Barcelona project.
promote their internationalisation action of Higher Education institu- ideas on the key issues facing organising international meetings
sector for the future espe- - Campus Energy UPC: Energy for
in terms of training and research, tions in fields such as internationa- corporate training strategy, learning out of a total of 135. A final key to
cially training, learning and Excellence, a UPC project. and best practices cases, and to the city’s success in this area is its
and to establish a closer relations- lisation and improving excellence
development; and, on the hip between universities and their - Campus UPF-Icària International, in training. Barcelona Campus is identify future trends in the industry. internationally renowned business
other hand, they will bring surrounds. The CEI award is given by a UPF project. the brand name for channelling all schools, like IESE and ESADE, and
together the promotion of the Spanish government’s Ministry these activities. Barcelona is a model for public- its prestigious universities.
knowledge generation and of Education to the most active co- CEIs projects also include the private cooperation and as such
the attraction of talent in llaboration projects. It has become a participation of municipalities, International Corporate this project has been given full
research centres, hospitals, asso- ICUF 2011
the overall environment. true hallmark of quality and prestige Universities Forum (ICUF) backing by other institutions
Participants:
to those educational institutions that ciations, etc... Barcelona is the gateway to such as Barcelona’s Chamber of


256 (100 executives)
receive it. southern Europe, the centre of an Commerce and the Autonomous
Companies:
International Excellence emerging Euro-regional economic Regional Government of Catalonia’s
174 (66 multinationals)
Catalonia has a number of Interna- Campus (CEIs) awards: 2 in the centre, the capital of the Medi- own Education Sector (universi-
27 private collaborators
tional Excellence Campuses: 2009 awards and 3 in the 2010 terranean, a bridging location to ties and business schools). ICUF
–sponsors and knowledge
In 2009 winners included: awards. Catalonia and Barcelona North Africa and a platform link is also being sponsored by large
partners- amongst them the
- Barcelona Knowledge Campus lead the International Excellence with Latin America. With its long businesses working the field of
city’s main business schools
(BKC), a joint project between the Campus ratings in Spain. industrial tradition and a dense corporate universities. This is a
(IESE, ESADE and EADA).
UB and UPC. business fabric, Barcelona has network initiative including the

20 21

04

10 reasons
that make
Barcelona and
Catalonia a
benchmark in
Higher Education

Professionals that want to plans and ancillary services to sup- to resources to translate their
develop their careers in port entrepreneurs. knowledge into new innovative
Barcelona business realities.

07.
Do it in Barcelona, provides infor- There are a lot of tools, types of
mation about job opportunities in the information and resources available Barcelona is not just trying to at-
city and a range of resources to help for entrepreneurs, many of these tract and generate academic talent,
candidates prepare for company found via the online Do it in Barce- but rather also laying the foundation
do IT lona programme. for incorporating this talent into the
selection processes. As such, they
In BArCELonA: provide resources to facilitate the business field via highly qualified
CApACITy To design of a career strategy, the pre- Setting up in Barcelona job creation and also the creation
ATTrACT And paration of CVs, interviews and other This is a practical guide available via of companies based on knowled-
key factors in the selection process. the Do it in Barcelona programme ge and innovation, meaning they
gEnErATE TALEnT that provides entrepreneurs all the collaborate with the transformation
It also provides access to a series of
industry reports that allow candida- information needed to start a new of the city’s economic model.
Do it in Barcelona is the The Do it in Barcelona programme positions related to the programme tes to get in-depth information about business venture, including the
name given to a global plat- provides support to these 4 groups, they are enrolled on. These intern- the city’s sectors and their economic different legal forms of companies,
form aimed at attracting and taking into account the peculiarities ships mainly take place in the final structure. incentives, institutions and specia-
Some of the locations for en-
of each, but also providing support for year of undergraduate and postgra- lised types of financing, taxation,
retaining talented profes- trepreneurs in Barcelona:
job creation and entrepreneurship in duate programmes for those on pro- Professionals looking to develop access to support services and
sionals and entrepreneurs. - Multisector Incubator (Viver
Barcelona. fessional or management courses, their careers in Barcelona can find start-up advice, office space to start
Launched in 2009 by Bar- Glòries) or specialised ones
and this possibility enhances the this information and interesting a company, and entrepreneur net-
celona City Council’s deve- Students wanting to continue attractiveness of training program- working possibilities. This guide is
(Espai Almogàvers)
resources at www.bcn.cat/treball/
lopment agency, Barcelona their studies at an academic mes offered in Barcelona. en, including more than 1,000 job not only aimed at people who want
- Barcelona Nord Technology
Activa, the idea is to provide Park (aimed at companies with
institution in Barcelona profiles and 7,000 job offers for to develop an idea and set up a
all the necessary information a technological base)
Do it in Barcelona helps students Researchers who want to do those looking for career opportuni- company, but also for entrepreneurs
needed to attract talent to with accommodation (via BCU) and research in Barcelona-based ties in the city. or professionals that want to move Search tool:
the city at different levels: the procedures to meet the requi- centres their business to Barcelona. - BCN Business Spaces: search
rements for the official recognition Do it in Barcelona provides access Entrepreneurs that want to engine for offices and premises
Students: those wanting to con- of country-of-origin studies, access to a range of specific services in launch their business idea in These services help provide support - Barcelona Venture Hub
tinue their studies at an academic to programmes of excellence aimed collaboration with the Catalan Foun- Barcelona for entrepreneurs developing a (offers temporary offices for


institution in Barcelona. at international students, as well as dation for Research. Services include Barcelona has consolidated its business idea in Barcelona. international investors)
offering more information about the an online guide to help researcher position as Europe’s sixth-best city
Researchers: those wanting to
cultural events and activities going mobility, a Job Centre specifically for to set up a business, which makes it Barcelona is also working on
carry out research in Barcelona-
on in the city. researchers (700 user organization attractive for business creation. The programmes for Higher Education
based centres.
and 2000 CVs), a R&D resource programme offers opportunities for graduates in the city to help them
Professionals: those wanting to On the other hand, Higher Edu- engine search tool with information entrepreneurs regarding office and foster new business start-ups with
develop career plans in Barcelona. cation institutions have ongoing about calls for grants and funding, in- real estate to locate their business, support from the local environment.
Entrepreneurs: those looking to agreements with companies to help formation, news, etc.., and a helpdesk counselling regarding the prepara- Talent developed via universities
launch a business idea in Barcelona. students gain internships in with personalised attention. tion and development of business and business schools has access

22 23

04

10 reasons
that make
Barcelona and
Catalonia a
benchmark in
Higher Education

08.
BArCELonA
09.
HIgHEr EdUCATIon
In fact, Barcelona has established
itself as the best European city for
its quality of work, which means
they to can get to know how the city
works, its cultural offer, accommo-
dation services and its schools and
UnIvErSITy CEn- In THE CITy added value for those who come to universities.
TrE: wELCoMIng, EnvIronMEnT. work here, to continue their studies
ACCoMModATIon BArCELonA, An opEn
or start a new company. Barcelona Barcelona, a university campus
facilitates the arrival of students, for Corporate Training
And LIvIng door of rESoUrCES teachers, researchers and entre- Barcelona is the second-best city in
In BArCELonA To ACCoMpAny yoU preneurs who decide on the city the world regarding the organisation
for their training and its helps them of international meetings thanks to
Barcelona offers newco- As regards accommodation -parti- Barcelona boasts benchmark and Barcelona boasts renowned integrate quickly into city life. its excellent geographical location,
cularly that of students and other highly innovative companies offering international institutions good international connections, and
mers a variety of services
members of the academic and quality accommodation services in this that offer highly specialised Welcome to Barcelona facilities for hosting meetings and
ranging from support upon
research community-, the city boasts sector, with many of these undergoing This program is available to people important corporate events. This, in
arrival, advice about finding programmes and a com-
a Barcelona University Centre (BCU) a process of expanding their Barcelo- who have arrived in the city and addition to the fact it boasts some
accommodation, access to mitment to overall exce-
service. BCU coordinates with other na operations because of the growth provides a series of resources that of the best business schools in the
information and resources llence in Higher Education, facilitate their integration into the world, means that Barcelona is an
institutions in the Higher Education in foreign students coming to the city.
to help integration and how whilst providing an open and new host city. A One-stop Window ideal place to host training events for
sector and companies offering ac-
to enjoy the city. commodation. It manages the welco-
cosmopolitan city environ- for City Procedures has been set large corporations.
ming processes of new students and BCU has a website (www.bcu. ment that combines tradition up to help newcomers carry out
provides information and advice on cat) where you can find diffe- and modernity, a mix that is procedures like getting on the city Barcelona, a magnet for events
accommodation issues and life in the rent types of accommodation: highly valued abroad. council’s registry or getting a library Higher Education is generating,
city outside the university experien- flats, rooms, rooms with fami- card with just one click. either directly or indirectly, nume-
ce. Its remit concerns communities lies, student halls, short stay rous events that are being held in
coming from outside Catalonia so, accommodation, teachers’ ac- Online procedures guide the city. As such, besides being an
as well as students, it offers support commodation, each adapted to This was the first welcoming service ideal location for corporate training,
to teachers and foreign researchers the individual’s needs. Thanks provided by a local authority and it also has well-equipped facilities
arriving in Barcelona. to its network of collaborators, designed to help and guide those for organising these types of events
it offers a choice of 13,000 who need a visa to enter Spain. on a permanent basis. Some of the
most noteworthy regarding this point


Barcelona pioneered the implemen- beds in Barcelona, 50 halls of
tation of initiatives to support the residence with 8,000 rooms for Relocation Guide. Welcome to include the Barcelona International
arrival of foreign students when the students, doctors, and recently Barcelona Convention Centre (CCIB), the city’s
BCU platform was set up, and which arrived researchers. This is a resource with information wide range of hotels, facilities at
apart from welcoming and accom- about everything you need when the Fira de Barcelona trade fair site,
modation services also manages you are considering coming to live and the headquarters of Telefónica
initiatives to improve the cultural and in Barcelona. It is aimed mainly at University, among many others.
social integration of this university professionals to help them with their
group in Barcelona. adaptation process to the city, so

24 25

04
05
10 reasons
that make
Barcelona and

Links
Catalonia a
benchmark in
Higher Education

Entities connected to Abat oliba University (UAo) Barcelona School of Management
Higher Education www.uao.es www.barcelonaschoolofmanagement.es

Autonomous regional govern- rovira i Virgili University (UrV)
ment of Catalonia – Secretary for www.urv.cat/en_index.html Facilities
Universities and research University of girona (Udg) Alba Synchrotron
www.gencat.cat/economia/ur/in- www.udg.edu www.cells.es
dex_en.html
University of Lleida (UL) Supercomputador Mare Nostrum
Association of Public Universities

10.
www.udl.es National Centre
of Catalonia (ACUP) www.bsc.es
www.acup.cat University of Vic (UVic)
www.uvic.es Barcelona Biomedical research
Agency for the Quality of the Uni- Park (PrBB)
TESTIMonIALS versity System of Catalonia (AQU)
www.aqu.cat University Foundations
www.prbb.org
ABoUT BArCELonA Barcelona Science Park
Barcelona University Centre iL·3
And ITS HIgHEr (BCU) http://www.il3.ub.edu
www.pcb.ub.edu

EdUCATIon www.bcu.cat
iDEC
National Centre for genome
Analysis (CNAg)
Barcelona global Masters www.idec.upf.edu www.cnag.cat
www.barcelonaglobalmasters.com
Polytechnic Foundation
international Corporate of Catalonia (FPC) Local and regional
Universities Forum (iCUF) www.fpc.upc.edu organisms
Positive experiences of “Barcelona is becoming one of 52 different countries working in
www.icufbcn.com
those who form part of the the key innovation hubs worldwide cutting edge science and 40% 22@Barcelona
thanks to the efforts of local and are foreigners. Furthermore, Inter University Platforms
Higher Education sector in Universities
www.22barcelona.com/en
Barcelona international people that come the associated Pompeu Fabra Barcelona graduate School of invest in Catalonia
to the city to study, work and University (UPF) is the Spanish University of Barcelona (UB) Economics (BgSE) www.acc10.cat/ACC1O/cat/interna-
innovate”. university with most grants from www.ub.edu www.barcelonagse.eu
cionalitzacio/invest-catalonia
Francesc R. Subirada. the European Research Council Autonomous University of Barcelona international institute
Associate Director. Barcelona
Barcelona Activa
(22). I think it’s difficult for young Barcelona (UAB) Studies (iBEi) Economic, Business and
Supercomputing Center.
intellectuals to find a better place www.uab.cat www.ibei.org Employment Area -
to dive into excellence.” Universitat Politècnica Barcelona City Council
“Barcelona is a hive of innovation
Dr. Reimund Fickert. de Catalunya (UPC) Business Schools www.bcn.cat/barcelonabusiness
and dynamism. It is attractive in
Project Director at the Barcelona www.upc.edu Do it in Barcelona
a multitude of ways. People want ESADE Business School
Biomedical Research Park (PRBB) (Barcelona Activa)
Polytechnic University of Catalonia www.esade.edu
to go there and people always www.doitinbcn.com
(UPF) iESE
leave inspired and that is why
www.upf.edu Barcelona Chamber of Commerce
Telefonica decided to locate its “Barcelona is the definitive choi- www.iese.edu
ramon Llull University (UrL) www.cambrabcn.org
Corporate University there.” ce for graduate studies because EADA
www.url.edu


Rory Simpson.
of the quality of education, new www.eada.edu
Chief Executive learning Officer Telefonica, SA friendships from all over the open University of Catalonia Spanish organisms
EAE
world, and the cosmopolitan (UoC) www.eae.es Ministry of Education
“We successfully compete for atmosphere. What else do you www.uoc.edu www.educacion.es
BES-La Salle
the best scientific talent at an need?” international University of Universidad.es
www.salle.url.edu
international level, at least in Ignasi Vendrell. Catalonia (UiC) www.universidad.es/404_es/lang.en
biomedical research. At PRBB
Social Media & Public Relations professor. www.uic.es ESiC
Barcelona University. President of
www.esic.es
we have now 1.400 people from www.bestrelations.com

26 27

With co-financing

www.bcn.cat/barcelonabusiness

The higher education sector in Barcelona

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