Biography
Miquel Rodriguez Planas is Director of Economic Development at Barcelona City Council, where he leads the city’s economic promotion and innovation agenda. He oversees initiatives such as Barcelona Impulsa, the 22@ innovation district, and the Barcelona Innovation Coast, aiming to consolidate Barcelona as a global talent and technology hub.
His work focuses on attracting investment, supporting startups and scaleups, strengthening the local innovation ecosystem, and aligning public policy with the needs of tech companies, research centres, and international organisations. He has been involved in high-profile initiatives including UNWTO’s presence in Barcelona and new innovation infrastructure projects.
His profile is especially relevant for sessions on smart cities, urban innovation, tech ecosystems, public–private collaboration, and how cities can position themselves as AI and deep-tech hubs through strategy, infrastructure, and talent policies.
Session
- AI For GoodModerator
Fireside 10 - Barcelona: A Place Where Innovation Flourishes
Wednesday 23 September, 18:00 – 18:15Auditorium StageBarcelona is not just a city — it is a European innovation hub with a strategy. The BlueTechPort brings together the city's Blue Economy ambitions, startup energy, and institutional backing into one living ecosystem. Two of its architects explain how Barcelona's innovation identity is being built, why the harbour is at its centre, and what it means for companies looking to grow here.
With Emma Cobos