Barcelona is a city known for its connectivity, talent, and technological and innovative ecosystem, making it the ideal location to become the world capital of Industry 4.0. The Zona Franca of Barcelona has always been one of the country’s main economic areas, leading the most innovative industry—from the installation of SEAT and Motor Ibérica in the 1970s, when they produced the iconic Seiscientos, a groundbreaking activity at the time. Today, the Zona Franca has evolved into the District 4.0 of the Barcelona Metropolitan Area, leading Industry 4.0.
District 4.0 is revolutionizing activity in the Zona Franca of Barcelona through highly innovative and technological projects, attracting prominent national and international companies. This environment, ideal for collaboration and the development of innovative solutions, is the result of the firm commitment and strategic vision of the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona, which aims to lead the transformation of industry toward digitalization. This initiative has a significant global impact on the industrial sector, generating high added value for the region through the creation of new jobs and the attraction and retention of talent.
The nerve center of District 4.0 is DFactory Barcelona, the largest Industry 4.0 ecosystem driven by a public company in the world. Currently, DFactory Barcelona hosts 37 companies and has a 90% occupancy rate, prompting the expansion of its facilities. By the end of 2026, DFactory Barcelona is expected to grow from its current 17,000 m² to 60,000 m².
DFactory Barcelona is a prime example of a public initiative that, in partnership with private entities, fosters collaboration between innovative technologies and creative talent. It drives the digital transformation of companies and hosts technology centers and leading international and national companies in fields such as robotics, 3D printing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, blockchain, sensors, and nanotechnology.
The Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona is spearheading the fourth industrial revolution through DFactory Barcelona, which has already become an internationally renowned Industry 4.0 ecosystem. Its philosophy is spreading throughout the entire industrial estate, positioning it as the world’s great District 4.0. Moreover, District 4.0 benefits from a privileged location with global connectivity.
Barcelona’s District 4.0 enjoys a unique location between the Port of Barcelona and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, next to Mercabarna—the leading wholesale fresh food market in Europe—and just 10 minutes from the city center. Major companies in sectors such as sustainable mobility, food and consumer goods, sustainability and energy, logistics, chemical industry, and services are already established in District 4.0. The district aspires to become the global benchmark for Industry 4.0.
Pere Navarro, the Spanish Government’s Special Delegate to the CZFB, emphasizes that “the CZFB is fully committed to driving digital transformation and the modernization of industry to promote employment opportunities and economic growth. District 4.0 is key to positioning the Barcelona Metropolitan Area as a global benchmark in the fourth industrial revolution through the integration of cutting-edge technology, sustainability, talent, and economic development.”
Meanwhile, Blanca Sorigué, General Director of the CZFB, highlights that “District 4.0 is a bold commitment by the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona that goes beyond a physical space; it is also about our strategic vision to lead the digital transformation of the industrial sector. This initiative has a major global impact, generating high added value for the Barcelona Metropolitan Area by creating new jobs and attracting and retaining talent.”
In addition to its strategic location, Barcelona boasts exceptional transport infrastructure that facilitates both national and international connectivity. The Port of Barcelona is one of Europe’s most important, and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport offers direct flights to numerous destinations worldwide. This connectivity is key to attracting businesses and talent from across the globe, establishing Barcelona as a global hub for innovation and technology.
Barcelona’s tech ecosystem also benefits from the presence of prestigious universities and research centers that nurture highly qualified talent. Institutions like the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) are examples of entities that contribute to the development of Industry 4.0 in the region. These centers not only train professionals in key areas such as engineering and computer science, but also collaborate with companies to carry out research and development projects that drive innovation.
Public-private collaboration is another cornerstone of District 4.0’s success. The Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona has skillfully established strategic alliances with companies and organizations from various sectors, creating a thriving environment for innovation and growth. These collaborations enable the implementation of advanced technologies and the creation of innovative solutions that address the needs of the global market.
District 4.0 is also characterized by its focus on sustainability and social responsibility. Companies operating in the area are committed to reducing their environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices. This includes the adoption of clean technologies, energy efficiency, and responsible resource management. Sustainability is a priority not only for businesses but also for the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona, which actively works to promote responsible and environmentally respectful industrial development.
The strategic vision of the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona has been key to positioning District 4.0 as a global benchmark in Industry 4.0. This vision is based on creating an environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development. The Zona Franca of Barcelona has implemented policies and programs that support companies in their digital transformation, facilitating access to resources and advanced technologies. Additionally, initiatives have been put in place to attract and retain talent, ensuring that Barcelona continues to be a center of excellence in Industry 4.0.
Article By: DFactory Barcelona
