The Barcelona Free Zone and the L’Hospitalet City Council join forces to promote talent, innovation and business development

• The Mayor of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, David Quirós, and the State Special Delegate to the CZFB, Pere Navarro, have signed a collaboration agreement to promote and develop initiatives aimed at technological advancement, innovation and the attraction and promotion talent.

• Among the most outstanding actions of the agreement are the technological boost in the field of biomedicine, the development of local talent, the collaboration in the “Feel the Zona Franca Power” program, and the fostering of innovation within the region’s business network.

Barcelona, 21 Novembrer 2025.- El Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB) and the L’Hospitalet de City Council have signed a collaboration protocol to promote joint initiatives aimed at technological development, innovation, attracting and promoting talent, knowledge transfer, and generating business opportunities in the territory of L’Hospitalet and the metropolitan area of Barcelona.

The agreement signed this morning by the Mayor of L’Hospitalet, David Quirós, and the State Special Delegate to the CZFB, Pere Navarro, establishes a stable framework for cooperation between both institutions, which share the objective of working for business development and the creation of high value-added economic activity.

Among the protocol’s priority actions are the technological advancement in the field of biomedicine, especially through the development of the BioCluster, with the aim of positioning the region as a leader in research and knowledge transfer. It also includes the promotion and development of local talent through the creation of a talent map that will help identify existing skills and anticipate future needs in terms of professional qualifications.

On the other hand, the City Council of L’Hospitalet undertakes to participate as a collaborating entity in the “Feel the ZF Power” initiative, promoted by the CZFB with the aim of inspiring STEM vocations among school-age children, facilitating coordination with educational centers and companies, as well as promoting the project among the public.

The organization of conferences and workshops is also planned, aimed at bringing new technologies closer to the business sector and promoting innovation, as knowledge of technological improvements is essential to streamline processes and prepare businesses for a prosperous future.

Finally, the agreement also includes a joint analysis of future opportunities to develop European projects that promote business growth, employment, and innovation in L’Hospitalet.

The Mayor of L’Hospitalet, David Quirós, explained: “We share a geographical boundary with the area of influence of the Consorci de la Zona Franca, a space where strategic projects of L’Hospitalet converge, such as the Fira, the Bellvitge Biocluster, commercial and hotel facilities, and a powerful economic hub with leading companies from different sectors. We therefore share the interest in continuing to advance in economic development and innovation, but for us it is essential that this progress goes hand in hand with social advances.” Quirós added: “These objectives are easier to achieve if we establish alliances with different stakeholders with whom we share the same vision, as is the case with the Consorci de la Zona Franca.”

For his part, the State Special Delegate to the CZFB, Pere Navarro, gave a very positive assessment of the agreement and stated: “This agreement strengthens our commitment to innovation and high value-added economic development in the metropolitan area, with the aim of creating opportunities for our citizens. Collaboration with the L’Hospitalet City Council will allow us to drive strategic projects in areas such as biomedicine, talent development, and digitalization, helping to position the territory as a benchmark in research and knowledge transfer.” Navarro emphasized: “We want to create opportunities that foster business competitiveness and the generation of qualified employment, aligned with the challenges of the economy of the future.”

 With this agreement, the CZFB and the L’Hospitalet City Council reinforce their commitment to social progress, job creation, and the consolidation of an innovative and competitive ecosystem in the Barcelona metropolitan area.