The Catalan entrepreneurial ecosystem in figures
Every year, Catalonia is positioned as a benchmark in the startup world, with a new count that emphasizes its growth. An action study recently revealed that there are currently 2,285 startups operating in the region, an increase of 9% over the previous year. This figure is not only significant, but it has a historical record. However, it is important to note that 86.7% of these companies are concentrated in the metropolitan area of Barcelona, leaving a large part of the Catalan territory without representation in this sector.
What defines a startup?
The term ‘startup’ refers to companies with a commercializable product that are less than 10 years old and a scalable business model. According to the organization ACCIÓ, these companies must include significant technological innovation and should not be limited to services such as consulting or software development for third parties.
The counties with the most presence of startups
The Barcelonès leads the classification with an impressive 68%of the startups, followed by other counties such as the Vallès Occidental (9.8%) and the Baix Llobregat (5.9%). Barcelona has been recognized as the third most attractive city in Europe to found new startups, only surpassed by London and Berlin, according to the Heatmap European Startup Europe Report.
The Catalan counties where startups shine by their absence
There are several counties in Catalonia where the concept of startup practically does not exist, many of them located in the province of Lleida, such as the Aran Valley and the Pallars Sobirà. Factors such as low population density, the economy based on traditional sectors and the distance from urban centers contribute to this shortcoming.
A hidden potential in the less urbanized counties
Despite their lack of startups, some of these counties, such as the Aran Valley and Cerdanya, have experienced significant economic growth thanks to the increase in tourism and personal services. Its offer of local quality products and recreational activities around nature can offer an alternative model of sustainable economy.
A more sustainable future for entrepreneurship
The diversity of opportunities offered by the least populated counties can be key to a new entrepreneurship approach. Initiatives such as agro -industry, ecotourism and local quality food production can be the driving force behind economic and sustainable economic growth.
The importance of a change in perspective
Perhaps true innovation is not only in the creation of traditional startups, but also in the ability to integrate economic models that foster sustainability and proximity. The next entrepreneurial revolution could arise from the most traditional regions, defying the conventional notions of success in the business world.
