Osmar Polo, the new president of 22@ Network, has called for more housing, improved infrastructure and better mobility in Barcelona’s Poblenou technology district, arguing that workers should be able to live near their workplaces. For residents and the district’s 150,000 workers, he said the current shortage of homes and transport problems are barriers to reducing daily journeys.

Polo, who is also chief executive of T-Systems Iberia, took over the business association’s presidency in June. He told VIA Empresa that treating 22@ primarily as a property asset was a mistake, and that it should instead be regarded as a technology centre with companies, universities and talent.

“We have to resolve the issue of being able to work and live in the district so that people do not have to travel as much.”

22@ Network has about 400 member organisations. Polo said the wider district includes around 150,000 workers and 250,000 students, with 16 universities and business schools.

Housing and transport raised with public authorities

Polo said the association raises housing, mobility and infrastructure in its discussions with Barcelona City Council and the Generalitat, Catalonia’s regional government. He said it does not set housing targets, but makes recommendations when planning proposals are discussed and conveys its members’ concerns.

He described the Rodalies commuter rail problems as an obstacle to growth, while adding that he did not know of a recent project that had been lost specifically because of the service. Rodalies is the commuter rail network serving Barcelona and other parts of Catalonia.

Polo also said an expansion of El Prat airport and wider transport improvements could help companies considering where to locate technology centres, alongside the availability of talent and housing.

Association identifies technology recruitment gap

Polo said there were 100,000 technology-related jobs nationally that employers could not fill with the talent currently available. He argued that firms increasingly need people with technology knowledge alongside business expertise, rather than only specialist engineering or telecommunications profiles.

“Previously we looked for engineers, people in telecommunications and applications. Now we are looking for different profiles who simply have knowledge of technology.”

He cited short, targeted micro-credentials as one way for companies and education providers to respond to particular skills needs. The association is seeking to bring employers and universities together around areas including artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

Projects named by Polo

  • Match & Play, which connects potential investors with companies seeking funding for projects.
  • Innovation Day and Demo Day, initiatives Polo said would continue under his presidency.
  • 22@ Urban AI Hub, another strategic project identified by the association.

Polo said 22@ Network also intends to find its own headquarters and to expand its role as a link between public bodies and Barcelona’s innovation ecosystem.

Reported by VIA Empresa.