Meritxell Roca Ortega. Partner of the Italian law firm Pavia e Ansaldo, member of the Board of Directors and Managing Partner of the Barcelona office.
What can we learn from the international vocation of the Milan industry?
Barcelona and Milan are two cities with many elements in common: both are economic and cultural capitals, have a long history and a rich artistic heritage, are poles of innovation and creativity, and host important international events. In addition, both are geographically located in regions with an industry traditionally made up of family businesses and SMEs.
All in all, it can be seen that Catalan companies have less international presence than Lombard ones, both in number and in geographical diversification.
While, according to CaixaBank Research, the weight of exports of goods in the regional GDP of Catalonia was 35.1% in 2022 (above the 26.2% national average), being the first community in volume of exports with 94 billion euros, the data for Lombardy are even more outstanding.
According to data from Assolombarda, Lombardy is the first exporting region in Italy and the fourth in Europe, with an export volume that reached 127 billion euros in 2019. And Milan has 100 companies with a turnover of more than billion euros, compared to 26 in Barcelona.
How could you move to Barcelona?
Barcelona could promote the strengthening of its production chains in key sectors such as tourism or biotechnology.
The international vocation of Barcelona is a fact with a past, present and future that can only continue to be perfected. To this end, we could continue to influence our powerful internationalization support network, benefiting from the coordination and synergy between the different agents involved in the internationalization of Catalan companies, such as the Generalitat, ACCIÓ, the different Chambers of Commerce and associations such as Global Barcelona.
Likewise, just as Milan has benefited from belonging to productive chains of excellence in strategic sectors such as fashion, design, engineering or electronics, Barcelona could promote the strengthening and consolidation of its own productive chains in key sectors such as tourism, biotechnology, automotive or creative industries.
Training and attracting talent is essential to compete in the global economy. Although Barcelona already has a prominent position, it must continue to invest in education and research, promoting
collaboration between the academic and business worlds, and deepening its image as an attractive destination for international students and professionals.
