Barcelona It reinforces its position as the capital of the new economy. The main European Chambers of Commerce They have made an institutional visit to DFactory Barcelona, the technology hub driven by the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFBThe international delegation was received by Pere Navarro, special delegate of the State and executive president of CZFB, and Blanca Sorigué, general director of the entity.
The meeting was attended by prominent leaders from the chamber of commerce sector: Almudena Sánchez, director of the Cámara Alemana; Laura Byrne, director of the Cámara Británica; Christian Marion, Director of the Cámara Francesa, and Federica Falzetta, director of the Cámara ItalianaThe main objective has been to learn firsthand about a model that transcends conventional industrial land management to become a engine of applied innovation.
A paradigm shift: From the industrial park to the vibrant industrial district
During the session, Pere Navarro detailed the evolution of CZFB towards a role as a driving force in the global economy. "The transition from industrial park to district is not just a matter of nomenclature, it is a change of philosophy"We are creating a vibrant space where things happen that are related to culture, entertainment and, of course, industrial innovation," the CEO stated.
The strategic location of the enclave, adjacent to the Puerto de BarcelonaThe airport and the city itself position it as a key location for attracting foreign investment. According to Navarro, DFactory Barcelona It is destined to be a landmark in Europe where industry, technology and talent come together to generate new business opportunities.
Impact in figures: Patents and growth projection
The general director of the CZFB, Blanca SoriguéHe emphasized that the project's success is measured by tangible results. During 2025, more than 5.000 professionals visited the facilities, a figure the organization hopes to triple in the short term. "In the second phase, we want to take a significant leap, with the goal of reaching..." 15.000 professionals per year«he stressed.
A key indicator of this innovative power is the generation of intellectual property. In the last fiscal year alone, the ecosystem of DFactory Barcelona has developed 63 Patents, reflecting an exceptional level of technological activity that directly impacts the competitiveness of European industry.
| Activity Indicator | Current Situation / Data 2025-26 | Projection / Second Phase |
|---|---|---|
| Installed companies | 45 companies | Expansion in progress |
| Surface occupation | 100 % | New buildings (60.000 m2) |
| Total area (m2) | 17.000 m2 | 60.000 m2 |
| Influx of professionals | 5.000 professionals | 15.000 professionals/year |
| Patents developed | 63 Patents | Leadership in innovation |
Expansion and transition to Industry 5.0
The demand for space in the technology hub has led to DFactory Barcelona to hang the "full" sign, with 45 companies currently operating. To respond to this interest, the CZFB is carrying out an expansion that includes 4 new buildings, planned for the end of this year. This expansion will allow us to go from the current 17.000 m2 to a total of 60.000 m2 of surface dedicated to advanced technology.
This growth consolidates the Zona Franca de Barcelona as an urban laboratory and gateway to the 5.0 industryThis new industrial stage is characterized by being:
- More human: Focused on talent training and well-being.
- Sustainable: Optimizing resources through circular processes.
- Highly technological: Integrating artificial intelligence and collaborative robotics.
The model aims to use physical proximity between startups, corporations, and technology centers to naturally transform innovation into real business, projecting Barcelona as the leading reference point for the industry of the future on the continent.
Key points and frequently asked questions about DFactory Barcelona
What do the 63 patents generated at DFactory represent?
They represent the success of a collaborative model where innovation ceases to be theoretical and becomes applied intellectual property, with a direct impact on the competitiveness of industry and the global economy.
What is the scope of the facility expansion?
Due to 100% occupancy, the project will be expanded from 17.000 m2 to 60.000 m2 by constructing four new buildings that will be available by the end of 2026.
How is the Free Trade Zone management model evolving?
El CZFB It has transformed the traditional management of industrial land into a "living industrial district", an ecosystem that connects business, talent and technology in a strategic location near the port and airport.
📰 Starring:
Continuous newsroom for Empresa Exterior. A team specializing in real-time monitoring and writing up-to-the-minute daily news on international markets, ensuring constant updates on B2B developments.