Barcelona Metropolis

The Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) is not only a leading institution in high-performance computing, but also a key driver of urban transformation. Recent announcements of significant investment extend beyond the technological realm, helping to reshape the city’s physical, social and economic landscape.

The creation of one of Europe’s seven Artificial Intelligence Factories (AI Factories) and the launch of Spain’s first quantum computer will impact Barcelona far beyond the confines of server racks and cables. These developments promise to drive talent and economic growth, though they also carry the risk of fuelling gentrification and exacerbating environmental challenges. What are the possibilities?

The Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) brings together cutting-edge research in supercomputing with the management of major infrastructure – both traditional (such as the newly commissioned MareNostrum 5 supercomputer) and emerging (quantum systems). The planned integration of quantum computers – two under the Quantum Spain initiative and a third at the pan-European level – poses a wide-ranging technological challenge: installing and operating the machines, designing user access frameworks, developing specialised algorithms, and, crucially, ensuring they interface effectively with classical systems.

In addition, the European project Digital Autonomy with RISC-V in Europe (DARE), coordinated by the BSC, is mobilising €240 million and 38 partners to develop European-designed processors and accelerators. It forms part of Europe’s broader strategy to secure sovereignty in high-performance computing and artificial intelligence (AI). The upcoming MareNostrum 6 supercomputer is expected to feature chips and processors that have been partly designed in Barcelona and supplied by European companies, according to Josep Martorell, who has led the BSC for nine years as Associate Director, and has just been succeeded by engineer Cristian Canton.

Meanwhile, Mariona Sanz, Director of Innovation and Business Development at the BSC, believes the AI Factory will democratise access to AI infrastructure, which until now has largely been dominated by hyperscalers. That said, this initiative – co-funded by the European Commission, the Spanish government and the Generalitat Government of Catalonia – is not intended to compete with commercial platforms, but to support pre-commercial phases of R&D. According to Sanz, it will prioritise sectors such as healthcare, climate, energy, finance and public administration.

Attracting talent

This convergence of technologies positions the BSC as a driving force behind projects that are shaping industry not only locally but also across Europe, helping to build an ecosystem of supplier companies. It is also having a direct impact on the creation of highly skilled jobs and the strengthening of technology clusters.

Attracting talent is the factor Martorell highlights most. “The BSC already employs more than 1,300 people – four times more than in 2015 – with 60 to 70% recruited locally, and with high salaries”, he notes. He also points to the importance of retaining local graduates and inspiring new technological vocations in Barcelona.

Programmes designed to encourage the flow of talent between academia and industry are expected to contribute to this, such as AI training initiatives for students at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), engineers and business leaders within the framework of the AI Factory, as well as hackathons and a start-up acceleration programme.

Economic impact and business ecosystem

These are not the only effects on Barcelona’s urban environment. Martorell emphasises economic stimulation in two main areas: through the BSC’s own spin-offs, and through potential service providers supporting the centre as a major purchaser of technology – whether start-ups or multinational companies setting up in the city.

Another key driver of growth is the collaboration between start-ups and SMEs and the BSC’s resources. Indeed, within the framework of the AI Factory, plans include establishing a coworking space, which could initially be housed in the Tech Barcelona area, with the aim of expanding to a larger facility on UPC’s Campus Nord.

Furthermore, a third avenue of impact lies in the broader business ecosystem through partnerships with the BSC. “If we collaborate with a particular organisation, it’s more likely they will open a hub in Barcelona”, Martorell points out.

From the laboratory to the neighbourhood

All this could contribute to the potential renewal of university infrastructure and the revitalisation of districts such as Vall d’Hebron and Can Caralleu, attracting new services – hospitality, transport – and creating innovation corridors across the city. However, it could also exacerbate existing issues like gentrification.

Martorell asserts that accessing housing is also a challenge for the young researchers employed by the BSC, due to constantly rising property prices. “The main concern for us, and for other R&D organisations, is that the salaries we offer to younger staff are quite modest, which makes it hard for them to live in the city”, he explains. He adds that they have raised the issue with public authorities. “With an average age of 34 at the BSC, tackling this is essential not only to attract talent but also to retain it by ensuring reasonable living conditions”.

Urban and environmental opportunity

Another issue is the high energy and water consumption of supercomputers, although, as Sanz highlights, all the energy they use comes from renewable sources, and the equipment operates with highly efficient water recirculation systems. The installation of new infrastructure prompts reflection on its urban footprint: optimising facilities, generating green energy locally and integrating AI solutions to manage water and electricity resources in real time.

These and other urban challenges could potentially be tackled through the BSC’s own scientific work. One example is Barcelona’s digital twin, a virtual replica of the city designed to predict outcomes and test the impact of specific projects or public policies. It was originally developed to assess Barcelona’s suitability as a “15-minute city”.

Further solutions may arise from the AI Factory and initiatives such as the new BSC Institute of Artificial Intelligence. Its director, scientist Ricardo Baeza-Yates, states that the institute intends to become a model of responsible technological development with social impact – including in urban settings – areas in which Baeza-Yates is regarded as a leading figure.

Technological epicentre

Martorell highlights another, more indirect impact of the BSC’s new projects on the urban environment: the influence they afford Barcelona in certain European and international decision-making arenas. “Being one of the few key players in this field means our opinions carry real weight when decisions are taken”, he explains. The BSC’s active involvement in initiatives such as DARE and EuroHPC ensures the city’s voice is heard in European science and technology policies. Furthermore, Martorell notes, “when European leaders visit Barcelona, a visit to our facility is a must, placing the city firmly on the map as a hotspot for innovative and significant projects”.

The BSC’s strategic importance is clear. Its international visibility will draw more visits and investment decisions, further strengthening Barcelona’s reputation as a technology hub. With these factors at play, the centre acts as a catalyst for urban transformation – with the potential to reshape neighbourhoods, boost emerging sectors, attract global talent and serve as a living laboratory for social and sustainable innovation, provided it plays its cards wisely and mitigates any potential damage and risks.